Tea Or Coffee: 12 Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee and tea are both very popular beverages the world over. While both have lengthy and illustrious histories, today coffee seems to be enjoying a great deal of popularity thanks to the spread of chain and specialty coffee shops worldwide.

Simultaneously, herbal tea is enjoying a resurgence in popularity and people learn of the many benefits that can be gained from consuming a wide variety of tasty, natural herbal concoctions. In this article, we will answer a dozen frequently asked questions regarding coffee and tea. Read on to learn more.

1. Which is better tea or coffee?

When it comes to flavour, naturally the answer to this question is a matter of opinion. Tea comes in many different types (e.g. herbal, green, jasmine, orange pekoe and black). Each of these types comes in a wide range of varieties, so there are plenty of flavour adventures to have when you choose to sip on tea. Likewise, coffee comes in quite a few different varieties, flavours and treatments.

In terms of health benefits, the benefits of various types of tea are wide ranging. Generally speaking, most herbal teas have some sort of medicinal or health benefit. Each one has benefits that are specific to it. For example, chamomile tea has long been known to be relaxing, soothing and tummy settling. Nettle tea is fabulously nutritious and healing.

Green, orange pekoe and black tea all have antioxidant properties. While coffee has been found to have some of these properties, it is not nearly as beneficial in this aspect as tea. On the other hand, in terms of value as a stimulant coffee contains much more caffeine and is more beneficial. High quality, organic black coffee has also been found to have antioxidant properties.

2. Which was discovered first tea or coffee?

Tea has been around for nearly 4000 years longer than coffee. Legend has it that tea was discovered in China by the Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC. Coffee, on the other hand is said to have been discovered around 1000 A.D.

3. Which came to England first tea or coffee?

Tea and coffee came to England around the same time. The first coffeehouse opened in Oxford in 1651, and another opened in London in 1652. Tea was introduced to England in the mid-1600s (first records indicate 1657). It was first advertised as a drink hailing from China in 1658.

4. Which is more popular in the UK tea or coffee?

Although tea has long been known worldwide as the quintessential British beverage, today coffee is more popular in the UK. In fact, recent figures indicate that sales of tea have fallen by approximately 22% over the past five years. This is apparently due to the popularity of fashionable coffee such as cappuccino or café latte. The traditional English black tea is struggling in this growing competitive environment.

5. Which has more caffeine tea or coffee?

Generally speaking, coffee has quite a bit more caffeine than tea. Here are few examples:

  • Black tea (237 ml): 25-60 mg of caffeine
  • Black tea, decaffeinated (237 ml): 0-12 mg of caffeine
  • Green tea (237 ml): 25-50 mg of caffeine
  • Brewed coffee (drip style, 237 ml): 95-200 mg of caffeine
  • Espresso (30 ml): 47-75 mg of caffeine

Because there are so many different types of tea and coffee, it is difficult to precisely quantify these numbers for every single coffee and tea type.

6. Which is more acidic coffee or tea?

The answer to this question depends upon the type of coffee or tea you are drinking. All caffeinated products tend to produce more acid in your system and should be avoided if you experience gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Decaffeinated coffee and tea or types of tea that naturally have less or no caffeine will not have the same effect. On the other hand, some herbal teas such as spearmint or peppermint tea can trigger acid production and cause you problems. Types of herbal tea that are known to have stomach settling qualities (e.g. chamomile) can be quite beneficial.

7. Which has more calories tea or coffee?

Both tea and coffee contain no calories (or precious few). The amount of calories in your coffee or tea beverage is determined by the style of drink you choose. If you drink your tea or coffee black, you will not be taking in any calories. If you add sugar, milk, cream, syrup and/or flavourings you will need to count the calories in those additives to determine how many calories you are consuming.

8. Which is better for weight loss tea or coffee?

While some herbal teas, such as nettle tea, may actively support weight loss efforts by helping you flush water weight from your system, standard, everyday coffee and tea do not actually stimulate weight loss.

Drinking black coffee or tea as your beverage of choice instead of soft drinks, juice, milk or any other beverage that does contain calories can naturally cut down the number of calories you consume in a day. As noted above, if you drink coffee or tea with calorie containing additives these will add to your overall caloric intake.

9. Which is good for health tea or coffee?

Overall because tea generally has less caffeine than coffee, it is somewhat more beneficial to your health. This is not to say that you should avoid caffeine entirely. It can be a useful stimulant, and many professional trainers recommend drinking a cup of black coffee half an hour before you work out in order to reap more benefit from your exercise and experience better performance.

In general, tea contains more antioxidants to help combat free radicals and fight off cancer in your system. Some studies have shown that white tea can help prevent obesity by inhibiting the growth of new fat cells.

10. Which stains teeth more tea or coffee?

The answer to this question greatly depends upon the type of tea you choose to drink. Generally speaking, coffee is darker than tea and will stain your teeth more than tea; however, there are some types of black tea that have very high tannin content.

This is the ingredients that causes coffee, red wine and other dark beverages to stain your teeth. If you drink white tea, green tea or herbal tea you will be unlikely to have a problem with discolouration of your teeth.

11. Can you drink tea or coffee when pregnant?

When you are pregnant, you should reduce the amount of caffeine you consume to 200 mg or less daily. Generally speaking, it is safe to drink two mugs of tea a day or two mugs of instant coffee. If you drink brewed coffee, you should only drink one mug a day. Drinking more caffeinated beverages than this on a regular basis can increase your risk of miscarriage.

If you drink herbal teas, be sure to consult with your health-care professional. Some herbal teas are very good for you during pregnancy and some can be quite detrimental.

12. What religion does not drink tea or coffee?

Among the religions that prohibit the consumption of tea and coffee are Islam, Mormonism Rastafarianism and Seventh-day Adventists.

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