8 Surprising Benefits of Switching from Coffee to Tea

Have you been thinking about switching from coffee to tea? Or maybe a doctor suggested it? There are many benefits of switching, and we’ll go over them here.

I’ve switched back and forth a few times over the years. Here’s what I’ve learned, both from research and personal experience.

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Benefits of Tea over Coffee

1. The Caffeine Difference

You may have heard tea has less caffeine than coffee. Or is it more? Or does it all depend on how you brew it? It turns out one of the primary differences between coffee and tea is the way your body metabolizes the caffeine.

While both contain caffeine, the caffeine in tea is released more gradually, giving you a more sustained energy boost compared to the quick spike and crash associated with coffee. The average 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine, whereas the same amount of black tea has about 47mg.

When you drink tea, you get a steadier supply of caffeine that can help you feel alert and focused without the jittery feeling or mid-afternoon slump that often comes with coffee. Plus, tea contains an L-theanine compound which works with the caffeine to produce a calming, yet energizing effect.

This unique combination helps tea drinkers experience improved concentration and mental clarity without the same level of nervous energy.

2. Improved Gut Health

Coffee, with its acidic nature, can be harsh on the digestive system, potentially leading to or exacerbating issues like heartburn and GERD. In contrast, many types of tea, such as green, black, and herbal varieties, contain compounds that can actually promote a healthy gut microbiome.

For example, green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. And some herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, are known for their soothing effects on the digestive tract.

These teas can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can even aid in the management of more severe gastrointestinal disorders.

NOTE: mint does not agree with everyone. For me, it’s more likely to give me indigestion than soothe indigestion. I can’t even take mint flavored antacids.

3. Reduced Anxiety and Stress

While coffee can provide a quick burst of energy, it can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress. The high caffeine content in coffee can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to increased heart rate, jitteriness, and even feelings of panic in some individuals.

On the other hand, tea, with its lower caffeine content and the presence of L-theanine, can actually have a calming effect on the mind and body. L-theanine is an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce the physiological symptoms of stress, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate.

And depending how you do it, the ritual of brewing and sipping tea can be a soothing and meditative experience, providing a moment of respite in the midst of a busy day. This can be a great “cheaper than therapy” self-care experience if you struggle with anxiety or have a lot of stress.

4. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Numerous studies have suggested that regular tea consumption can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. The antioxidants and polyphenols found in tea, particularly green and black varieties, have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

This is because the endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels, and its proper functioning is essential for maintaining healthy blood flow and preventing the buildup of plaque. The antioxidants in tea have been shown to help protect the endothelium and improve its ability to regulate blood pressure and circulation.

And the anti-inflammatory properties of tea compounds may also play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering inflammation, which is a key contributor to the development of cardiovascular issues.

5. Enhanced Brain Function

While coffee is often touted for its ability to boost mental alertness and focus, tea can also do that for you, but in a slightly different way. As mentioned earlier, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea can enhance your concentration and attention, without the same level of jitteriness or anxiety that you can get from coffee.

The antioxidants and other bioactive compounds found in tea have been linked to improved memory, better cognitive processing, and even a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

One study, for example, found that regular tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment and a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The researchers attributed these benefits to the neuroprotective effects of the compounds found in tea.

6. Hydration and Bone Health

While coffee is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to increased urination and potential dehydration, tea is generally more hydrating. This is because the water content in tea, combined with its lower caffeine levels, helps to maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

Hydration is important for transporting nutrients through your body, waste removal, and temperature regulation. By switching from coffee to tea, you may find that you feel more energized, focused, and less prone to the fatigue and headaches that can accompany dehydration.

Additionally, some types of tea, such as black and green tea, contain compounds that may help support bone health. These compounds, known as flavonoids, have been shown to enhance the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone, while also inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

This balance of bone-building and bone-preserving activities can help maintain strong, healthy bones, particularly as we age. This is an important consideration, as osteoporosis and the increased risk of fractures are significant health concerns, especially for older adults.

7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Finally, another compelling reason to consider switching from coffee to tea is the potential environmental impact. The coffee industry has been criticized for its significant carbon footprint and contribution to deforestation in some regions.

In contrast, the tea industry generally has a smaller environmental impact. Tea plants are typically grown on established plantations, which means less land clearing and habitat destruction.

Plus, the processing and transportation of tea leaves tend to be less energy-intensive compared to the complex supply chain and roasting process involved in coffee production.

Furthermore, many tea brands are now offering organic and fair-trade options, which help to support sustainable farming practices and ensure that the workers involved in tea production are treated fairly and compensated appropriately.

By choosing to drink tea, you can not only enjoy the various health benefits but also contribute to a more environmentally-friendly and socially responsible industry.

8. Dental Health

You may have heard that black tea can stain teeth more than coffee, and this is true. This is because black tea contains higher amounts of tannins, which are natural compounds that can cause staining. Tannins are actually used in tanning leather, and in fact that’s where we get the word “tanning.”

Tannins in black tea can stick to the enamel of your teeth, leading to discoloration over time. Coffee also contains tannins, but generally in lower concentrations compared to black tea, making it less likely to cause staining to the same extent.

But – and this is a big but – black tea also interferes with plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. So does green tea, and it won’t stain your teeth as much, according to many sources.

There are a few ways to mitigate the staining so you can enjoy the plaque-fighting benefits:

• Drink through a straw.
• Don’t brush immediately after consuming tea or coffee.
• Drink green or white tea instead of black.

I’ve also been told by lots of hygienists to swirl water around in my mouth after drinking a staining beverage. This hasn’t worked for me personally, and I can’t find any studies on it. In my experience, medical professionals are as likely as anyone else is to hear a rumor that sounds plausible and assume it’s true without researching it, so take it with a grain of salt. It can’t hurt to try!