Coffee remains the beverage of choice among many Americans, while green tea has recently experienced rapid growth in its popularity. Both contain plant compounds known as flavonoids which provide various health benefits; but which one is better? You might be surprised.

An 8-ounce cup of coffee typically contains two to three times more caffeine than an equivalent-sized cup of black or green tea; however, these differences are generally minimal and ultimately determined by individual tolerance levels and sensitivities to stimulants like caffeine.

Both tea and coffee contain antioxidants, chemical compounds that may lower your risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. But different preparations of both beverages have different levels of antioxidant content depending on factors like their type, brewing method or method used; all this may influence its antioxidant count in your cup of joe!

Coffee and green tea both contain caffeine, which has been proven to increase mental alertness and focus. If you are sensitive to caffeine, L-theanine found in green tea may help alleviate any uncomfortable side effects caused by its consumption.

Green tea offers more than a source of energy; it’s also an excellent source of heart-friendly nutrients like fiber and catechin – an anti-inflammatory amino acid which has powerful anti-oxidative effects and may help protect against metabolic diseases like high cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Green tea can act as an immune booster and aid with weight loss and heart disease prevention, according to studies. A report in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care concluded that those who consume three or more cups of green tea daily have lower risks for type 2 diabetes compared with those who don’t drink any daily.

At its core, both green tea and coffee offer distinct health-promoting qualities; ultimately it comes down to your personal preference when selecting your Kermit-colored mugs. If caffeine sensitivity is an issue for you, try supplementing with L-theanine instead for your daily cup of tea; otherwise enjoy coffee as an energy booster and just watch for any added sugars or fats!

Try this Trader Joe’s Moroccan Mint green tea for an amazing, flavorful, naturally caffeine-free pick-me-up that combines organic green tea, lemon verbena, spearmint and organic lemongrass for an amazing natural caffeine free boost! Available both at your local Trader Joe’s as well as online.

Caroline Igo, CNET wellness editor Green tea offers many great health benefits; if caffeine sensitivity is an issue for you, why not enjoy both in your daily routine? Start each morning off right by starting with coffee before switching over to green tea as your go-to antioxidant defense?