Twice as much tea is consumed worldwide than coffee, but in the U.S, coffee sales outnumber tea sales 5 to 1. This isn't necessarily bad news for tea peddlers because tea sales have been consistently increasing in the country for the past twenty years.
Studies conducted by health professionals and researchers around the world support the opinion that neither is significantly harmful, and that both are somewhat beneficial. The detriment of both beverages is the caffeine, but if consumed moderately, caffeine may have healthful implications. The amount of consumption is the key, approximately 300 mg is safe for daily adult consumption.
The following comparative information comes from various research groups, including, but not limited to: The Department of Surgery at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, The Mayo Clinic, Harvard School of Public Health. Duke University School of Medicine, and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Depending on the bean, leaf, and duration of brew, coffee contains 80-185 mg of caffeine per cup, and tea contains 15-70 mg of caffeine per cup.
Observations about Coffee and Tea without Official Clinical Results
- No dehydration
- Offer some degree of protection against various kinds of cancer
- Up to six cups a day with no clinical link to death from these cancers or heart disease (Studies conducted earlier did not consider correlations between smoking and lack of exercise.)
- Lower incidents of dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, and Type 2 diabetes, and liver disease
- Not harmful to expectant mothers when consumed in moderation.
Observations about Tea Alone without Official Clinical Results
- Antioxidants that combat free radicals
- Lower incidents of high blood pressure
- Replaces fluid and contains fluoride
The most interesting evidence lies in what experts call the "Asian Paradox". Asians smoke more than any other demographic population, and yet, experience less incidents of tobacco - related illnesses than do other smoking populations. They also consume an average of 1.2 liters of green tea (which are saturated with polyphenols) per day.
Though similar in many aspects, it appears that tea is more healthy than coffee. Including the benefits of hot and iced coffee and tea in displays and organizers could only boost beverage sales.