Do you wake up each morning and crave a pot of fresh brewed coffee? Or do you prefer to put the kettle on and steep a nice pot of tea? Chances are, you fall into one of these two camps, or both! Studies show that each of these wake up juices contain loads of antioxidants in addition to the sweet, sweet caffeine so many of us require throughout the day. When ingested, antioxidants protect our bodies against oxidants, which seek to damage cells and ultimately cause disease.
The way tea leaves are processed determines whether they yield a black or green tea. Antioxidants called flavonoids exist in all teas. Statistics show that one in five Americans takes a cup of tea in the morning, and tea is the second most popular drink in the world after water. Tea offers as many oxidant-fighting flavanoids as fruits and vegetables, and may help fight breast and ovarian cancer, as well as lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Pretty amazing little drink! It’s been around for centuries, both due to its pleasing taste and health benefits.
Coffee is no slouch, either. And it’s ooooh so good! In the United States, coffee is the most consumed beverage nationwide and has been cited by researchers as the leading source of antioxidants in Americans’ diets. Your fresh morning brew also contains key antioxidants as well as trigonelline, an anti-bacterial compound. Coffee is a heck of a fighter, too. Research shows that coffee may lower the risk of liver and colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes, and gout.
It’s best to enjoy coffee or tea plain for the most rewarding health benefits. Be cautious of adding too much sugar, cream, flavorful syrups or dollops of whipped cream to your beverages. While these tasty additions sure do contribute to an exciting and sweet concoction, the health consequences can easily counter the benefits of coffee and tea in their natural state. As in all things, use in moderation.
Whether you prefer coffee or tea, you are doing your body a favor when you consume either of these beverages in appropriate amounts.
