Herbal Tea vs. Coffee: Which One is Better for Your Brain?

Are you a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast? If you're like most people, you probably have a preference for one or the other. But have you ever wondered which one is better for your health? In this blog post, we'll compare coffee and herbal tea and explore their benefits and drawbacks.

 

Coffee vs Herbal Tea: The Basics

Coffee and herbal tea are both popular beverages that have been consumed for centuries. They both contain caffeine, a stimulant that can boost your energy, mood, and alertness. However, the amount of caffeine varies depending on the type, roast, and brewing method of the coffee or tea.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 95 to 165 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of brewed herbal tea can contain anywhere from 0 to 120 milligrams of caffeine. Generally speaking, coffee has more caffeine than herbal tea, but some herbal teas, such as yerba mate, can have more caffeine than some coffees.

Both coffee and herbal tea also have antioxidants, which are compounds that can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can help prevent or reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic diseases. However, the type and amount of antioxidants vary depending on the type of coffee or tea.

Coffee vs Herbal Tea: The Benefits

Both coffee and herbal tea have many benefits for your health, depending on how much and how often you drink them. Here are some of the benefits of each beverage:

Coffee:

• Improves cognitive function: Coffee can enhance your memory, attention, reaction time, and problem-solving skills.
• Boosts metabolism: Coffee can increase your metabolic rate and help you burn more calories and fat.
• Enhances mood: Coffee can elevate your mood and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Protects the liver: Coffee can lower the risk of liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Reduces pain: Coffee can act as a natural painkiller and reduce muscle soreness and headaches.

Herbal Tea:

• Hydrates body: Herbal tea can replenish your body's fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Soothes throat: Herbal tea can relieve sore throat, cough, and cold symptoms.
• Aids digestion: Herbal tea can improve your digestion and prevent or treat constipation, bloating, and nausea.
• Supports immune system: Herbal tea can strengthen your immune system and fight off infections.
• Promotes relaxation: Herbal tea can calm your nerves and help you sleep better.
• Mental Supports: Multiple different herbs support a healthy mental balance by reducing anxiety, stress and cortisol levels, and depressive symptoms. 

 

Coffee vs Herbal Tea: The Drawbacks

Both coffee and herbal tea also have some drawbacks for your health, depending on how much and how often you drink them. Here are some of the drawbacks of each beverage:

Coffee:

• Causes insomnia: Coffee can interfere with your sleep quality and quantity if you drink it too late in the day or too much in general.
• Increases blood pressure: Coffee can raise your blood pressure temporarily, which can be harmful if you have hypertension or heart problems.
• Irritates stomach: Coffee can cause acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis if you have a sensitive stomach or drink it on an empty stomach.
• Creates addiction: Coffee can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if you drink it regularly and then stop abruptly.

Herbal Tea:

• Contains contaminants: Herbal tea can contain pesticides, heavy metals, or bacteria if it's not organic or properly processed. (We only use organic ingredients.) 
• Interacts with medications: Herbal tea can interact with some medications and supplements and affect their effectiveness or cause side effects.
• Causes allergic reactions: Herbal tea can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to certain herbs or ingredients.
• Lowers iron absorption: Herbal tea can reduce the absorption of iron from food or supplements due to its tannins content.

Coffee and herbal tea are both great beverages that can benefit your health in different ways. However, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. The best way to enjoy them is to drink them in moderation and according to your personal preferences and needs. And if you're looking for a relaxing and soothing drink, try making some chamomile tea with our easy recipe. Cheers!

 

Options

When it comes to picking the right tea for the right moment, it is really up to your preferences. However, we recommend if you want a relaxing moment to unwind, stay clear of caffeinated teas. Our Bear Hug and Reishi Realms are perfect for an afternoon and evening. 

If you like something lighter and uplifting, try our Time to Smile, Happy Hibiscus, or Perky Tea (this one has a little caffeine from white tea). 

For a great bedtime tea, or a tea for a moment of stress and anxiety, try our Cozy Chamomile. It’s formulated with powerful herbs to help with mental stress.

Precaution

When drinking herbal tea for anxiety or stress, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Herbal tea can be a supportive addition to your treatment plan, but it's not a replacement for professional care.

Citations

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