The Battle of Coffee vs. Tea

Coffee has become the most popular drink for Americans everywhere, and it is also hailed to be one of the most valuable commodities in the world. So when you begin to view how many other cultures prefer to drink tea, including the UK and Asia, how do we know which one will win?

There is power in numbers. Coffee is claimed to be sipped regularly by over 50% of all Americans at about 4 cups a day. Where did that deviate from the influence of the Boston Tea Party in the 1700s when the early colonials protested the tax on tea and threw it into the water? One of the main reasons that tea was then shunned by America is the fact that the early Americans fought to gain their independence from Britain, so it made more sense to prefer coffee to the traditional tea drink that came from their home country. In the early years of America, other nations began to export coffee, with America being the biggest importer. This led to most countries worldwide associating coffee with America the way that they do today, especially since it never has been a culture that was dependent upon tea.

As for the health benefits of coffee versus tea, coffee is now giving green tea a run for its money. Initially, green tea was recommended by every health professional as the best antioxidant drink to prevent damage to your health, but it has been found that the number one drink that Americans are getting their antioxidants from is coffee. Since coffee is enjoyed in large quantities every single day, most Americans gain the majority of their antioxidants from the brew, as well as many health benefits, such as disease and age prevention. Not too shabby for a cup of Joe! The best way to drink your coffee is black to get all of the health benefits available, including lowering your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's, and even Alzheimer's.

Tea also does have similar antioxidants for disease prevention, and they both have been recommended for weight loss but for different reasons. Coffee will actually work through the caffeine to suppress your appetite, and the caffeine content does boost your metabolism when it is enjoyed throughout your day. Tea also works to help burn your fat through speeding your metabolism, especially when you are drinking green tea.

So which one is better? It does depend on your preference or taste, but I have to be completely biased and recommend coffee. Many people have preferred tea for its age old history, especially in the Asian culture, including disease prevention and medicinal benefits, but coffee is beginning to lead the race. There have been so many technological studies showing the advanced health benefits of coffee that it is hard to overlook them. Not to mention the fact that it is the custom of the American culture to sip a rich and dark cup of Joe every day of the week, and that is something that I can't argue with. Drink to your health!