Shahi Dastarkhan

When it comes to discussing beverages, all else put apart, tea and coffee are cited as arch-rivals. Most of us have our bits of customs: a bed tea, or a morning coffee; and before studying at night or badminton (in this winter) in the evening. As it is, each of the two has an ever-growing, extensive fandom. The two have their own benefits (and losses as well!)

Tea and Coffee as a Means of Escapism..!!

In the busy lives that we lead now, for many of us, tea and coffee guarantee good family times. These, thus, have now become an addiction after having been materials of excuse for such long. But how happy is the consequence of this addiction? It might not be as much as we tend to believe, or expect. While both coffee and tea boast amounts of caffeine, which many of tend to not bother about now, tea could contain up to twenty-five percent of tannin, and coffee, a good amount of potentially harmful chemical called acrylamide (acrylic amide).

In the more recent times, where we have gotten used to putting ourselves on caffeine, there are results we might also wish to avoid. It is a drug, an alkaloid, related to some of the most violent of poisons. When it enters the human body, it produces at first a feeling of stimulation, followed in due course by a period of depression, relief from which is sought by the use of more caffeine. It is, therefore, habit-forming, so that the power of the will is weakened. As a result, we get addicted to these caffeinated drugs. Moreover, caffeine also induces diuresis, which in simple words explains why we often feel the urge to use the washroom more frequently after tea and coffee.

However, yet apart from caffeine, Tannin, found in tea, and Acrylamide, in coffee, could result in numerous other malfunctions.

Also Read: 5 Healthy Foods to Boost your Brain Power

The Ill-Effects of Tea and Coffee

Acrylamide (or acrylic amide) is a white, odorless, crystal compound used to make plastics and treat wastewater, among other things.

What we do know is that when coffee beans are roasted, acrylamide is formed. There’s no way to remove acrylamide from coffee; so, when you drink it, you’re exposing yourself to the chemical. Overexposure to it, which we accept day-to-day at work, can cause damage to the nervous system, and it’s also thought to increase the risk of cancer. We’re exposed to acrylamide also through smoking and secondhand smoke, as well as personal care products and household items. On the other hand, tannins though are sighted as excellent antioxidants; the concern is that the tannic acid might be easily absorbed through the lips and cause harmful side effects. But there isn’t enough research yet to know for sure. In large amounts, however, tannic acid can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.

Now, all of this happens when, on a hand, the health benefits of drinking coffee, and those of tea, are pretty impressive.

Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee

Tea

• Drinking tea could help reduce the risk of heart attack. Tea might also help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.
• is also associated with a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women.
• Moreover, it is hydrating to the body (even despite the caffeine!).

Coffee

• Has been shown to enhance brain function, increase metabolic rate and improve exercise performance.
• A regular intake of it has also been linked with a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes.
• Moreover, to top it off, coffee drinkers seem to live longer.

 

… and more, obviously!

This little list (of good and evil), by the way, doesn’t end just here.

Stay tuned for rather better family-time choices.

Also Read: The Classic Winter Delight: Hot Chocolate