Green tea and coffee are both particularly rich in a group of antioxidants called polyphenols, giving these drinks their benefits and flavour
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CGA), are the most abundant polyphenols in green tea and coffee, respectively. Studies suggest they may have potent anticancer effects.
EGCG may hinder tumor growth and spread, and it may lead to tumor cell death. EGCG in green tea may have a beneficial effect against cancer cells in head and neck tumors, as well as in lung, prostate, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer cells. Its anti-inflammatory effect may help prevent the chronic inflammation involved in the onset of cancer.
CGA appears to inhibit tumor growth and promote cancer cell death. In contrast, coffee’s CGA may have beneficial effects against endometrial, skin and liver cancers. When it comes the liver CGA plays a role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, helping safeguard liver cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, CGA may also benefit heart health and blood sugar control by regulating blood triglyceride levels and improving how your cells respond to the hormone insulin.
Another aspect relevant to both coffee and green tea is paraxanthine, a metabolite of caffeine. Studies indicate that paraxanthine may offer certain benefits for liver health. One suggested mechanism is its ability to enhance fat oxidation, which is the breakdown of fat for energy, that happens in the liver. By promoting fat metabolism, paraxanthine could help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition associated with (NAFLD) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This occurs when the liver produces too much fat or is unable to eliminate it properly, often due to factors like obesity, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, or certain medications. Additionally, paraxanthine might also influence liver enzyme activity, potentially affecting various metabolic processes in the liver. Although coffee seems to have a more direct affect to helping with the liver. While the exact mechanisms behind this are not fully understood, besides paraxanthine it may also be due to the higher amount of polyphenols compared to green tea which could contribute to liver health and overall well-being.
Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to both coffee and green tea, depending on what you add to them and how much caffeine you consume. On one hand, adding sweeteners, creamers, and flavored syrups can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of your beverage, potentially undermining the health benefits. On the other hand, while caffeine is generally considered beneficial, consuming too much can lead to unwanted side effects. Coffee typically contains over three times the amount of caffeine found in green tea. For example, an 8-ounce (240 mL) serving of coffee provides 96 mg of caffeine, compared to 29 mg in the same amount of green tea.
High doses of caffeine, exceeding 400 mg per day, can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia. Moreover, if you’re already under a lot of stress and consume large amounts of coffee, it can further elevate cortisol levels, affecting various bodily processes and potentially leading to weight gain. Additionally, caffeine use may result in dependence. Another drawback associated with coffee lies in the method of preparation. Cafestol, a fatty substance present in the oil within coffee beans, has been linked to an increase in cholesterol levels. Opting for filtered coffee, particularly through paper filters, is advisable as the majority of cafestol gets trapped in the paper, reducing its cholesterol-raising effects. Unfortunately, brewing methods such as espresso, French press, Turkish, and boiled coffees lack mechanisms to capture the oil, making them not the best choices as they could elevate LDL cholesterol levels.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-tea-vs-coffee#health-benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699270/#:~:text=Although%20total%20caffeine%20intake%20is,fibrosis%20in%20patients%20with%20NAFLD.
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