George Orwell once wrote: “Tea is one of the great pillars of British civilization.”

However, even the British have to admit that coffee has launched a strong challenge to the status of tea, and even threatened tea's traditional status in Britain.

To explore the true impact of these two drinks, BBC Future used scientific research to compare the performance of tea and coffee in different aspects.

First of all, the refreshing effect is an important reason why many people choose tea or coffee. Caffeine is a key ingredient that helps people feel energized in the morning. In terms of content, coffee has significantly higher caffeine content than tea.

Generally speaking, a cup of tea contains about 40 mg of caffeine, while a standard cup of filter coffee contains 80 to 115 mg. However, this does not mean that coffee is necessarily more refreshing than tea.

Research shows that despite their higher caffeine content, there is no significant difference between tea and coffee in terms of actual energy-boosting effects.

Some studies have even found that the energy-boosting effects of tea are more significant when consumed in large amounts to a concentration comparable to coffee. So while coffee should logically be more energizing, tea performs well in practice.

Secondly, sleep quality is a factor that must be considered when choosing a drink. Research from the University of Surrey found that coffee drinkers tend to have a harder time falling asleep at night, possibly because higher caffeine levels are still taking effect later in the evening.

In contrast, tea drinkers are more likely to fall asleep, sleep longer, and are more relaxed overall. Therefore, when it comes to sleep, tea has the advantage.

Regarding tooth staining, tea, and coffee may also affect the whiteness of your teeth. Dental experts generally agree that tea's natural pigments adhere to tooth surfaces more easily than coffee, especially when using mouthwash containing antibacterial agents.

This means that long-term tea drinkers may be more susceptible to tooth staining. So while both can have an impact on your teeth, coffee may be slightly less harmful than tea in this regard.

The calming effect is another aspect worth exploring. In Britain, tea is often regarded as a soothing drink. Some studies show that tea can help relieve anxiety and make people feel calmer during times of stress.

Additionally, tea drinkers have a relatively lower risk of depression. Conversely, coffee, while energizing, can also make people anxious. However, some studies have found that drinking coffee in moderation may also help reduce the risk of depression. Nonetheless, tea is more prominent in its calming effect.

Finally, when it comes to physical health, both tea and coffee have shown certain benefits. Studies show that drinking coffee or tea in moderation can reduce the risk of diabetes.

This may have something to do with the other nutrients they contain, not just the effects of caffeine. In addition, coffee and tea also have certain protective effects on the heart, but tea seems to be better when it comes to preventing cancer, which may be because tea is rich in antioxidants.

Tea and coffee each have their own merits and perform differently in terms of energy boost, sleep, dental health, calming effect, and physical health. While coffee, with its higher caffeine content, is superior when it comes to energizing you, tea can provide a similar boost without disrupting your sleep.

In addition, tea is more effective in calming the nerves and preventing diseases. Therefore, tea may be a more ideal choice for those who want to feel refreshed without affecting their sleep or mental state.

Coffee Versus Tea: Which is Healthier?

Video by Health Net, LLC