We all have those mornings when you wake up, go straight for the caffeine and then find yourself still tired afterwards.
While most of us swear by a morning cup of caffeine, they come with pros and cons, and even additional benefits.
So which is actually better for you? And should I consider green tea vs. coffee for weight loss?
If you need some energy: It only takes about 10 minutes for your body to feel the effects of caffeine. Caffeine makes your body release hormones that keep you lively, boosting your heart rate and blood pressure up. But where do coffee and tea differ? One 8 ounce cup of tea averages from 14 to 61 mg of caffeine and one 8 ounce cup of coffee is at least 95 mg.
You need: Coffee
If you want a mood booster: We typically associate coffee with the expectation of its caffeine kick. But actually tea has been linked to calming your nerves. Jasmine and lavender tea drinkers, for example, experienced a decreased heart rate simply by smelling their tea.
You need: Tea
If you’re trying to be healthy: Studies have shown that people who drink four cups of coffee daily were 30% less at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. It also showed that men who drink at least three cups of coffee daily were 9% less likely to have skin cancer than those who drank less than one cup monthly.
Tea has it’s benefits also, especially green tea. It’s well known that antioxidants in green tea can aid in boosting metabolism and can repair a weak immune system because it has an antioxidant that recharges the white blood cells that prevent viruses from reactivating. Green tea is also loaded with some powerful antioxidants that research has shown could help prevent prostate cancer.
You need: Either
If you’re trying to shed some weight: Caffeine has been shown to slightly reduce appetite, but drinking green tea daily could lead to about an inch off your waistline in 12 weeks. That’s because EGCG and caffeine in green tea can help shrink fat cells and makes muscle cells more active.
Your need: Tea
If you’re looking to gain muscle: Tea might be better for burning fat but coffee is the winner when you want to gain muscle. Why? Caffeine can stimulate your muscles, which can help you power through with more repetitions.
You need: Coffee
So what’s the verdict? We have a tie! Both coffee and tea have their pros and cons, so whether it’s personal preference or doctor’s orders, there is a reason for a morning cup of “pick me up”.
