Hidden Benefits in a cup of tea or coffee
Coffee and tea are two of the most consumed beverages in the world. They are a part of everyday life for millions of people. They are not just a source of energy but also have several health benefits. Research has shown that they have properties that are anti-inflammatory, energizing, and antioxidant.
Known and lesser-known facts about tea and coffee
Coffee has a rich history and a culture built around it. But, it is not just a delicious beverage, it also has several health benefits. One of them is its anti-inflammatory properties.
Coffee contains polyphenols, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a leading cause of several diseases, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Therefore, drinking coffee regularly can help prevent these diseases.
Coffee is an energizing beverage. Caffeine present in coffee stimulates the central nervous system and helps increase alertness and attention.
This is why many people consume coffee in the morning to help them wake up and feel more alert. However, it is important to remember that consuming too much coffee can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
Tea, on the other hand, is known for its antioxidant properties. Tea is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and catechins, which help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Drinking tea regularly can help prevent these diseases and keep the body healthy.
Tea is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that tea can help reduce inflammation and improve several markers of health.
This makes it a great beverage to consume for those who suffer from chronic pain or inflammation-related conditions like arthritis.
More about Tea and Coffee...
Tea consumption has been found to have a biologically significant impact on human health, with regular moderate consumption reducing the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular causes.
The improvement in cardiovascular risk is mainly due to the properties of tea:
- antihypertensive,
- antidiabetic,
- lipid-lowering,
- antiarrhythmic,
- anti-atherosclerotic.
The anti-inflammatory properties of tea have been assessed in numerous studies.
In a meta-analysis including 614 patients with type 2 diabetes, green tea consumption significantly decreased CRP concentration WMD (Weighted mean difference) = − 5.51 mg/dl; (95 % CI: − 9.18 to − 1.83).
Consuming green tea reduces the concentration of LDL-C, which may also be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of this beverage.
Similarly, coffee consumption has been found to have a beneficial effect on various systems and organs, with regular moderate consumption reducing the risk of death from any cause and death from cardiovascular causes.
The antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiarrhythmic, and anti-atherosclerotic effects of coffee are attributed to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
A meta-analysis of 69 studies found that coffee consumption was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk (RR = 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.68–0.80); it was found that the anti-diabetic properties of coffee are significantly associated with an increase in the concentration of adiponectin (p = 0.002).
Meta-analyses have shown that tea and coffee consumption is associated with an anti-inflammatory effect, with green tea consumption significantly decreasing C-reactive protein concentration, and coffee consumption inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk.
These findings indicate that tea and coffee should be an integral part of a healthy diet, and well-designed prospective cohort studies and additional analyses on the dose-response association between tea/coffee and ASCVD risk might provide a further understanding of the effects of tea and coffee consumption on inflammation.
In conclusion, tea and coffee consumption might:
- increase adiponectin concentrations,
- decrease reactive oxygen species,
- decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations,
- help to prevent ASCVD.
One important thing to keep in mind is that while coffee and tea have several health benefits, it is important to consume them in moderation.
Drinking too much coffee can lead to negative effects like jitters and insomnia, while consuming too much tea can lead to digestive issues.
It is recommended to drink no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equal to around 4 cups of coffee or 8 cups of tea.
S Surma, KJ et al, Coffee or tea: Anti-inflammatory properties in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention, Pharmacol Res 2023 Jan;187:106596. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106596
Please note that the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
