The Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee: A Cultural Comparison

Tea and coffee are assigned different health values in different cultures.

In Chinese and East Asian cultures, tea is regarded as a healthy beverage with functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and antioxidation. Many Chinese herbs are also often mixed with tea for enhanced health benefits. The components of tea, such as tea polyphenols and catechins, are also believed to help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In Western culture, coffee is regarded as a stimulant beverage and is widely consumed. However, coffee is often accused of causing adverse reactions such as anxiety, insomnia, and indigestion. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can also benefit health, such as reducing the risk of diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.