Both coffee and tea provide high levels of antioxidants that support brain, heart and metabolic health. The main difference is how they deliver energy, which determines their suitability as a morning drink, according to health information website Real Simple.

Benefits of a cup of coffee in the morning

Coffee increases alertness and is rich in antioxidants, particularly chlorogenic acid and other polyphenols. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

According to nutritionist Samantha Peterson, these antioxidants support brain health, metabolic function and the liver’s detoxification process. Caffeine in coffee also has anti-inflammatory effects.

The power of tea leaves

Caffeinated teas, including green and black tea, also contain high amounts of nutrients. Green tea is rich in catechins while black tea contains theaflavins. These compounds support cardiovascular health, help regulate hormones and strengthen the immune system.

The key difference is L-theanine, a compound found in tea that promotes alertness and focus without causing jitters or sharp increases in the stress hormone cortisol, which some people experience after drinking coffee.

Which drink is the better choice?

The answer may come as a surprise: neither. Nutrition expert Maddie Pasquariello said switching between tea and coffee generally does not lead to meaningful differences in overall health.

Although black coffee may contain higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine than green tea, their overall health benefits depend on multiple lifestyle factors. Choosing one drink over the other is unlikely to have a significant impact on chronic disease prevention.

How to choose your morning drink based on your body’s signals

Experts recommend selecting a drink that best suits personal needs, based on the following factors:

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  Choose coffee if:

  
  
  
  
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    You need a strong boost in alertness or are preparing for tasks that demand high levels of physical or mental focus.

    
    
  
  
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    Your body tolerates caffeine well without experiencing side effects such as anxiety, digestive discomfort or insomnia.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Choose tea if:

  
  
  
  
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    You are sensitive to caffeine and feel jittery or uncomfortable when drinking coffee, especially on an empty stomach.

    
    
  
  
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    You often wake up feeling anxious, or are working on hormonal balance, adrenal recovery or gut health.

    
    
  
  
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    You want steady, sustained alertness rather than a quick spike followed by a sharp drop in energy.