Effects of tea and coffee consumption on human health compared
Research has revealed that tea and coffee offer advantages in different health areas; coffee stands out in gut health and concentration, while tea excels in bone health.
Data from the UK and various studies have revealed the effects that tea and coffee, staples of daily life, create in the body through different mechanisms. When it comes to bone, gut, heart, and brain health, the advantages provided by the two beverages differ from each other.
Advantages of tea in bone health
A 10-year study conducted by Flinders University with nearly 10,000 women over the age of 65 showed that women who drink tea every day have higher hip bone density.
Aisling Pigott, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, states that high caffeine can negatively affect bone health, while tea stands out with its lower caffeine and rich flavonoid content.
Gut health and coffee consumption
Prof. Tim Spector states that coffee is one of the important sources of polyphenols and is associated with processes that reduce inflammation and support blood sugar control.
Additionally, a cup of filter coffee contains about 1.5 grams of fiber, but excessive coffee can lead to digestive issues in individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Heart health and vascular functions
While green tea's positive effects on blood pressure and blood lipids draw attention, the polyphenols contained in tea can support vascular functions.
Consumed in moderation, tea and coffee rank among popular beverages with positive characteristics for cardiovascular health.
Caffeine content and concentration
Coffee contains about twice as much caffeine as tea, which can increase alertness and short-term concentration.
Since excessive consumption can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns, experts recommend a daily range of 2 to 4 cups.
Brain health and dementia risk
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School reported that consuming 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day is associated with a lower risk of dementia.
In research published in 2025, unsweetened coffee consumption was linked to a lower risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases.