MAGAZINE: Knowledge
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Coffee or Tea? Which one is really better?
Tea and coffee are still the two most widely consumed beverages in the world. Whilst various kinds of teas have been extolled for their 'health benefits'; coffee has often been demonized for it's 'health deficits'. So which is truly the 'healthier' beverage?
Tea or Tisane?
Firstly, let us clarify what we are talking about here. If you are sipping a fragrant cup of chamomile or an iced rooibos then be aware that these are categorized as 'herbal' or 'floral' infusions and are not truly tea but are often known as 'Tisane'. True tea comes only from the leaves of the camellia sinensis or tea bush. It was originally found in the Yunnan province of China and is now grown in many countries around the world in over 400 varieties. The two most typical varieties are the small leafed 'China' variety and the larger leafed 'Assam' variety popular in India.
Java Jive
Coffee also grows in two major varieties 'Robusta' and 'Arabica'. The second being the more prized for it's sophisticated flavours whilst the first is often blended with Arabica to add power and boost the caffeine content. Coffee, like tea, is also grown in many countries around the world but Brazil has long been known as the largest grower of the bean with production topping 35 million bags per year.
Is green the way to go?
Green tea has always been promoted for its health benefits. A study by Japanese researchers observed long-time tea-drinkers in Japan, who would drink five cups a day, and found that their life span was considerably longer than average. Tea is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant which chases down free radicals in the blood stream decreasing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Other types of tea, such as black tea, did not show similar results, as these are processed to the point of stripping the tea of the polyphenols.
The biggest health benefit associated with drinking tea is its ability to lower the risk of developing or slowing the progress of heart disease. A Japanese study supporting this was undertaken by a group of researchers from Tohoku University. The study focussed on the benefits of drinking tea amongst men who were suffering from heart disease. They found that a considerable number of those men who drank at least five cups of tea per day were able to slow down the progression of the disease and lived longer than those who did not drink tea or who drank fewer than five cups per day.
Green and white teas have also long been suggested as an aid against colon, oral, and esophageal cancers. Studies of other cancers have been established and the results are equally promising. A Swedish study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that of 60,000 women, aged 40 to 70 years old who drank one cup of tea per day reduced their risk of developing ovarian cancer by 24%, while those who drank two or more cups a day reduced it by an average of 46% Studies like these are further enhancing the reputation of high-grade green and white tea elevating it to the status of a true superfood!
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