The debate between tea and coffee is never-ending. Some coffee lovers feel tea wins every time, and tea enthusiasts are convinced tea is their ideal drink. Everything considered each one of them has its indomitable benefits. However, the ultimate difference is seen in their health benefits.
Therefore, we shall examine the health benefits each brings to the table and find common ground in this debate. Additionally, you’ll also get a clear guide on how to brew loose-leaf tea.
Tea vs. Coffee: Which is Healthier
To understand which is healthier than the other, let’s explore their health benefits based on the following factors:
1. Caffeine content
Caffeine, a natural chemical with stimulant effects, is one essential component in tea and coffee. However, the content level varies widely. Low to moderate caffeine levels offer a wide range of benefits, such as increased alertness, enhanced concentration, boosted energy, and help prevent diabetes. On the other hand, excessive caffeine can cause more harm than good to your body.
Generally, brewed tea contains less amount of caffeine than coffee. However, tea leaves contain around 3.5% caffeine, whereas unbrewed coffee beans have about 1.1 to 2.2% caffeine. Interestingly, after brewing coffee, the amount of caffeine often tends to be higher than that of tea. For instance, a cup of green tea has anywhere between 10mg to 60 mg of caffeine, which is sometimes equivalent to a weak cup of coffee.
Therefore, brewed loose tea is much healthier than coffee if you want low to moderate caffeine content.
2. Antioxidants
Both tea and coffee are full of antioxidants, mostly polyphenols. Antioxidants are useful compounds that help protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals that cause inflammation, chronic diseases, and early aging.
However, tea varieties such as green tea and white tea have more antioxidants than coffee. These teas are ideal alternatives to coffee if you’re looking for a rich-antioxidant beverage.
3. Hydration
Tea and coffee are also liquids most people drink in addition to water to keep their bodies hydrated. However, tea and coffee aren’t equal in terms of how they keep your body hydrated because caffeine content in coffee is diuretic; thus, it increases the frequency of urination. Usually, caffeine has a direct effect on the bladder’s smooth muscle.
In brief, if you’re trying to stay hydrated, teas are a better option compared to coffee.
4. Other health benefits
As outlined earlier, tea and coffee have immense health benefits for the body. Coffee helps lowers the risk of colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Studies have shown tea has even more benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing cancer risk, and helping improve heart health.
Which is the Healthiest Type of Tea for Your Health?
There are numerous types of teas that all come from the leaves of one tea plant called Camellia sinensis. However, green tea is overall the best and healthiest type of tea. Its health benefits include improving brain function, fighting cancer, increasing fat burning, improving oral health, prevents cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Black tea, the widely consumed type of tea, is also a good choice of tea that offers great health benefits. They include lowering cholesterol and improving overall heart health.
Among other healthy types of tea include Oolong and white tea. If you’re on a weight journey, Oolong tea is ideal, while white tea is best for boosting skin and hair health.
How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea
Making a cup of loose-leaf tea isn’t complicated. Before we explore the step-by-step process, here are a few things you must have. They include:
- Loose leaf tea
- Teapot/ tea mug
- Electric kettle
- Tea infuser/ strainer
Here is a clear process on how to brew loose-leaf tea:
1. Start by boiling water using your electric kettle. However, ensure your water hits the recommended temperature depending on the type of tea you’re preparing. Below is a quick temperature checklist:
- Green tea:175-185 degrees F
- Black tea: 206-212 degrees F
- White tea: 175-185 degrees F
- Oolong tea: 185-195 degrees F
- Pu-erh tea: 2016-212 degrees F
2. Then measure out an appropriate quantity of loose-leaf tea you need and put it on your infuser.
3. Place the tea infuser inside your teapot
4. Then pour hot water on the tea and leave it on your infuser.
5. Steep your tea for a few minutes. Usually at least a minute to about 5 minutes. The average steeping time for black and Pu-erh teas is between 3-5 minutes, while that of green, white, and Oolong tea is about 1-3 minutes.
6. The next step is to remove tea leaves from your infuser or strainer.
7. Finally, serve the tea in a mug.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative beverage with low amounts of caffeine and rich in antioxidants, loose leaf tea is a viable choice. Bluesea tea is a loose-leaf type of tea that is organically grown. We supply in bulk and ship to all countries. Click here to inquire more about our tea prices.
References
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