At any rate, both coffee and green tea can be considered nutritious beverages when taken in moderation. But which beverage is healthier depends on many different factors, including its type, how it’s prepared (including any added ingredients), your caffeine tolerance level and other considerations.

Coffee and tea contain potency plant compounds known as polyphenols that are rich in antioxidants. Polyphenols can reduce chronic inflammation while neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals. Green tea contains some of the strongest polyphenols such as EGCG. In addition, L-theanine provides calming relief against caffeine’s stimulatory effects.

Regular coffee and green tea consumption has been linked with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, depression and cognitive decline. According to one study, those who consumed two cups of coffee and four cups of tea daily had a 40% lower risk of early death compared with those who didn’t consume any beverages; researchers speculate this may be related to both being associated with higher levels of healthy, cholesterol-reducing dietary fiber content in coffee and tea beverages.

However, while both coffee and tea can provide health benefits, their consumption can become unhealthy if laced with sweeteners, creams, or additives such as caffeine. Furthermore, if you are sensitive to caffeine it’s wise to limit how much you drink so as to prevent unpleasant side effects such as jitters or disrupted sleep.

Coffee and tea are packed with phytonutrients such as polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorogenic acids that have numerous health benefits for users, such as supporting healthy blood pressure levels, reduced stroke risks, better insulin sensitivity and an enhanced immune system. Research into their potential protective benefits against certain forms of cancer as well as slowing the aging process is still ongoing.

Both coffee and tea can provide an essential morning pick-me-up, but make sure not to consume too much caffeine, as too much can have harmful side effects including jitters, difficulty sleeping and anxiety. Studies suggest limiting caffeine consumption to 400 milligrams daily as this has been determined as safe by most experts; additionally it should be remembered that most benefits from caffeine start dwindling after approximately five cups per day are consumed.