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Morning Rituals, Lifelong Benefits: Can Your Brew Reduce Cancer Risk?

Key Takeaways

  • Tea and coffee have high antioxidant properties.
  • Black coffee and decaffeinated coffee differ in their caffeine content.
  • Green and black tea differ in processing, flavor, and caffeine content.
  • Caffeine can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, raise blood pressure, and cause anxiety.

Have you ever wondered about the benefits of tea and coffee? They are not just refreshments but carry with them various potential antioxidant properties and cancer-fighting properties.

What you need to know:

The antioxidant power of tea and coffee

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative stress. You can get antioxidants through various sources like colourful fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, tomatoes, grapes, kiwis, and seeds. They may play a part in lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other lifestyle conditions.
Tea and coffee are both antioxidants, but tea generally has more antioxidants than coffee. Tea contains 150–400 mg of antioxidants per cup more than green tea. On the other hand, coffee contains 200–550 mg of antioxidants per cup.

Tea and coffee: A potential shield against cancer

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Coffee and tea contain antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of cancer. While tea has a higher antioxidant potential than coffee, green tea has the highest antioxidant activity, and coffee has moderate antioxidant activity. Drinking 3–4 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked with a 41% lower risk of having hypopharyngeal cancer, a type of cancer at the bottom of the throat. Drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with 25% lower odds of oral cavity cancer. Drinking tea was linked with 29% lower odds of hypopharyngeal cancer. Thus, tea and coffee help mitigate the harmful effects of cancer.

Choosing the right brew: Tips for optimal health benefits

Black coffee vs. decaffeinated coffee

Black coffee refers to regular coffee brewed without added cream or sugar, while decaffeinated coffee has most of its caffeine removed through a special process. This means it contains significantly less caffeine than regular black coffee. Their taste may be similar, but the key difference lies in their caffeine content.

Green tea vs. black tea

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Green tea contains catechins, which help to reduce oxidative stress and cell damage. It supports our heart health and enhances our immune function. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Green tea and black tea both differ in processing, flavor, and caffeine content. The leaves are heated immediately after harvest to prevent oxidation, which keeps them green. The leaves are rolled and then exposed to air to oxidize, which turns them brown or black fully. On the other hand, when choosing black tea for optimal health, prioritize organic options. Look for teas with high-quality, well-rolled leaves. You can even consider varieties like Assam or Darjeeling for their strong antioxidant profile. Depending on your preference, you can also opt for Earl Grey, which may offer additional benefits like stress reduction due to its bergamot oil content.

Potential side effects of excessive consumption

Drinking too much tea or coffee can cause a number of side effects:

  • Caffeine, present in tea or coffee, is a stimulant that can be habit-forming. Regular consumption can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional dependence.
  • It can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, making it difficult to sleep.
  • Headaches are a common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. They can be severe and throbbing.
  • Drinking it on an empty stomach can cause acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion.
  • It can raise blood pressure, which can be problematic for people with pre-existing high blood pressure.
  • Drinking too much coffee can increase your heart rate and alter your heartbeat rhythm.
  • Dizziness can be a symptom of caffeine sensitivity.
  • Excessive consumption of tea and coffee can cause anxiety.
  • Long-term excessive consumption can worsen diabetes and cause heart issues.
  • Caffeine intake should be in moderation, as excess can impact our health and cause various issues, such as, fluctuating blood pressure.

Individual variations and health conditions

The effects of tea and coffee on individuals can vary significantly due to genetic, lifestyle, and health factors. Some people are more prone to stress and anxiety when consuming caffeine due to heightened adrenal gland responses. Regular consumption can build a tolerance to caffeine. Conversely, people who consume caffeine infrequently may experience more pronounced effects. Metabolism slows with age, so older adults might metabolize caffeine more slowly, increasing its effects. Caffeine can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. People with hypertension should monitor their intake.
Let us now see how coffee can impact you.

  • Coffee is acidic and may aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.
  • It can stimulate the digestive system, worsening IBS symptoms for some people.
  • It can also exacerbate anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia, particularly in individuals sensitive to its stimulating effects.
  • Excessive caffeine consumption may interfere with calcium absorption, potentially impacting bone density over time.
  • High caffeine intake during pregnancy is linked to increased risks of miscarriage or low birth weight.

Due to their bioactive compounds, tea and coffee, when consumed without added sugar, have been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Both are rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in mitigating the symptoms of cancer and supporting overall health.

 

Stay tuned to the Activ Living Community. Keep up to date with the latest health tips and trends through expert videos, podcasts, articles, and much more on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and lifestyle conditions like Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Diabetes. Activ Living ke saath sahi sehat ki shuruat ABHI karo.

 

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