Many people believe that coffee is less healthy than tea—but what does the science say?
In Vietnam, coffee and tea drinking are part of everyday life and culture. Whether gathering at a café for a rich, dark cup of coffee or sipping strong tea with friends, these beverages are more than just drinks—they’re a social tradition and cultural symbol.
So, which is better for your health? Let’s look at what research reveals.
Coffee Packs More Antioxidants—Reducing Cancer and Diabetes Risk
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Both coffee and tea are rich in antioxidants, compounds that help lower the risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
According to Associate Professor Matthew Chow, a neurologist at the University of California, Davis, a 2013 study found that coffee contains more antioxidants than tea, hot chocolate, or red wine. Coffee’s key antioxidants include chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Caffeine itself may also act as a potential antioxidant. In green tea, the standout antioxidant is catechin, known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Dr. Christopher Gardner, Director of Nutrition Studies at Stanford Prevention Research Center, explains that antioxidants in both coffee and tea may help prevent or manage chronic degenerative diseases such as stroke, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Coffee Delivers a Faster Energy Boost
Coffee usually contains much more caffeine than black tea, giving a quick boost in alertness and energy.
A 2015 study found that moderate caffeine consumption lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and certain cancers including colon, uterine, and liver cancer.
According to Dr. Gardner, a standard cup of coffee provides about 80–100 mg of caffeine, while tea typically contains only 30–50 mg. Associate Professor Chow adds that coffee has 2–3 times more caffeine than black tea, though the amount varies by tea type and brewing method. For example, a cup of black tea contains about 48 mg, green tea about 29 mg, and herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile contain no caffeine at all.
While caffeine has many benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that excessive intake can cause nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. Caffeine tolerance varies, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust intake accordingly.
Tea Supports Steadier Focus
Tea provides a gentler, more sustained energy thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to improve mental focus over time. While coffee delivers a fast, strong alertness boost, tea offers more stable, long-lasting concentration.
A 2008 study found that the combination of L-theanine and caffeine significantly improves focus and cognitive performance compared with caffeine alone. Green tea contains slightly more L-theanine—about 6.56 mg per cup, compared with 5.13 mg in black tea.
Which Is Healthier?
After reviewing multiple studies, Associate Professor Chow concludes that choosing coffee or tea depends on individual health needs and preferences—there is no single “healthier” choice.
If you need a quick energy boost, coffee’s higher caffeine makes it ideal. For those sensitive to caffeine, tea is a safer option, offering less caffeine and the added benefits of L-theanine for steady energy.
Experts recommend enjoying both in moderation: no more than 4–5 cups per day, as exceeding this amount can increase health risks.