Are you a part of the fanbase that can't go a day without their daily dose of coffee? Or do you prefer something less stimulating, like a cup of tea perhaps? Personally, I have a strong preference for iced caramel lattes. Whether it’s scorching hot or frigid outside, not a force on earth can stop me from whisking a spoonful of espresso powder bright and early in the morning. However, coming from a desi household, I too enjoy a cup of tea, or we like to say chai more traditionally. While they both serve different purposes to me, I tend to savor one more than the other on certain days. Unsurprisingly, I don’t experience this divide alone.
In the world of caffeinated beverages, tea and coffee find themselves in a friendly rivalry. For centuries, humans have sought solace and social connections over a cup of one or the other. These so-called elixirs have made weary days bearable, conversations smoother and even helped those who thought they couldn't control their emotions to do just that. But is one better than the other?
Studies have shown that depending on how much of it is consumed, both coffee and tea have the same benefits and drawbacks on one’s mental and physical health status. While coffee may provide resilient stability, the caffeine content in tea offers a better mental focus. The clash pivots significantly around its popularity - although the winner is clear. Globally, tea is the second most popular beverage, second to, well, water. Thanks to the South and Eastern Asian nations and their roots that run deep in their culture. From the green gushes of a matcha tea to the magic of a masala chai in India, the range is crescively prominent.
As far as the world of java goes, the possibilities are endless. With brands creating new concoctions and all sorts of funky flavors, having the fandom rejoiced. This only augments the aesthetics of coffee. A true javaphile knows there's nothing like sitting in a cafe, with the aroma of brewed coffee tinkling the bristles of your nose.
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Citations:
Coomer, Sarah Hays. “Coffee vs. Tea: Which Drink Is Healthier?” Forbes, 18 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/coffee-vs-tea/.
“Cup of Latte on Wooden Table Background, Coffee Picture Aesthetic, Coffee Powerpoint, Coffee Background Image and Wallpaper for Free Download.” Pngtree, 2023, pngtree.com/freebackground/cup-of-latte-on-wooden-table_3171730.html.
Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
DeSilver, Drew. “Chart of the Week: Coffee and Tea around the World.” Pew Research Center, 20 Dec. 2013, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/12/20/chart-of-the-week-coffee-and-tea-around-the-world/.
O’Connor, Anahad, et al. “Coffee vs. Tea Smackdown.” Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2022, www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/interactive/2022/coffee-vs-tea-nutrition-health/.
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