Battle for Supremacy: Tea Versus Coffee (Part II)

This is Part II of the previous article - Tea Vs. Coffee (Part I)

The Downside:

Possible side and bad effects:

Tea:

Increase in tea consumption than recommended can cause:

• Causes brittle bones and browning of teeth (less serious)..
• Irritability and nervousness.
• Can cause constipation and slowing down of absorption of important minerals like: zinc, calcium and iron.
• Can lead to addiction.
• Acts as a diuretic (increase urine output) therefore dehydration and constipation.
• Can cause ulcers.
• Sleeplessness.
• It can also increase blood pressure and heat rate.

Coffee:

Too much consumption can also cause:

• Hypertension.
• It also increases heart rate as well as blood pressure.
• Addiction.
• Urine output also increased.
• Basal metabolic rate, increased too.
• Difficulty sleeping and irritability.
• Nausea.
• Stomach problems like Ulcers, hearburns.
• Headaches.
• Staining and yellowing of teeth and cavities (more pronounced).

Caffeine and the effects:

Tea:

An average cup of Tea has about 55 milligrams of caffeine. And its amount of caffeine content will also differ in the different type of tea. For instance, green tea has the least caffeine content. It only has around one-third the caffeine than black teas have. Oolong tea also has about two-thirds as much as black tea.

Effect of caffeine:

The caffeine found in teas is known to be a very good source to increase one's concentration. It is also popular for its ability to improve the sense of smell as well as the taste. Since caffeine in teas enter the blood stream at a slower rate than coffee, its caffeine effect is usually longer than that of what coffees can give. This can be a good thing, since it is gentler to the system than coffee. Therefore less development of addiction and possible withdrawals.

Coffee:

A cup of coffee has about 125-185 milligrams of caffeine. And of course, different types of coffee and brand will also give different caffeine contents.

Effects of caffeine:

Compared to that of teas, coffees have more pronounced and faster effects. This is the main cause of why some people are anxious if they are not able to miss a drink they have "coffee jitters." But other coffees are decaffeinated, so its caffeine effects are not stronger than the regular coffee.

Difference of preparation and drinking:

Tea:

Tea is not to be taken in a hurry and haphazardly. Tea is considered as a beverage requiring finesse and refinery. It should be prepared properly. And also one should take time to sip and experience the taste of tea. The pace that is usually maintained is calm, slow and peaceful. For it is meant to sooth and to relax the person.

Coffee:

Coffee is different. It is for people who are busy and always on the go. The pace as is fast and hurried. This is for people who need a quick fix drink to keep them awake and alive throughout the day. It is taken as an energy source. To keep them perked up and ready to face any challenges that await throughout the day.

So who wins???

Folks, it is a very well-fought match. And each one has given it their best shot. And for that, it is but proper that we give both of our fighters a well-deserved round of applause. Please. Both tea and coffee, step right in front. You have given so much and its time you are both recognized for the valiant efforts you have dedicated your lives for in order to give mankind the health benefits it needs. Indeed, the world will not be the same without you two.

Back to the results of the match. Many people have speculated who wins and many stake their reasons.

Here are some of them.

Pro tea:

Tea is well-loved by many. Next to water, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Tea not only known for its exquisite taste but for its health value. Yes, coffee also offers quite the same helath benefits as tea but tea has an edge. Take away the caffeine in the coffee and you take away the good in coffee. Take away the caffeine in teas and you can have other benefits too. It does not stain the teeth much as much as coffee does. It has less caffeine and is therefore less addictive. Plus lessen the effects of the bad effects of caffeine in the body such as sleeplessness, irritability, stomach problems and increase blood pressure and heart rate. It is a very good anti-oxidant too. It keeps you energized and feeling and looking young. Heart diseases, cancers, stomach ailments and memory problems are no more. It also has fat burning properties to help you keep fit and thin. So instead of keeping you always perked up to no end, tea helps you relax yourself. It sooths and keeps you anxiety-free. The downside to it, is it may cost a little more than coffees and requires a lot of time to prepare and drink especially.

Pro-Coffee:

Others will disagree. For them coffee is more advantageous and useful to them. Unlike teas, coffee is instant and easy to prepare. It is made for people always on the go and busy in their everyday lives. It is the thing that keeps them awake during hectic schedules and pressure-loaded days. Just like teas it also has anti-oxidant properties. And it is cheaper and readily more available than teas of course. But the downside is, it can keep you addicted faster. And the effects of caffeine is more evident. It can cause serious problems that can be detrimental to the health.

So in the end, the choice is never really ours to decide but the consumers themselves. Look closely at the pros and cons each drink has to offer. And weigh it. For both have something to offer. And both are well loved and drunk by many. But if i personally have to choose. I will choose tea instead of coffee. Not only is it a better alternative to coffee, but it can offer not only what coffee can offer too, but so much more. And a plus is it does not have stronger caffeine effects than coffee has. So it is a better drink, health wise.