Taste & Techniques

Coffee and Tea Lovers Unite!

Do you have a hard time getting up in the morning without a steaming cup of joe? Or are you a tea drinker who wouldn't dream of putting coffee beans in your grinder? Maybe you should consider both, like a growing number of Americans. You love the taste of coffee in the morning with your favorite omelet and buttery biscuit. But, at night, you prefer a nice soothing herbal tea before going to bed.

Recent studies have shown that the health benefits of coffee can be related to roasting the beans and the caffeine they contain. Especially beneficial to those suffering with asthma and Parkinson's disease, the amount of caffeine found in an 8oz. cup of drip-brewed coffee contains about 85mg. Caffeine has also been known to help wake us up and keep us alert while performing activities that need our concentration. We all remember the amount of coffee we drank while cramming for exams!

As for tea, much of the recent research shows that those who drink two cups or more of tea a day have less heart disease and strokes. WebMD.com* notes that "some laboratory tests also show that black and green tea may help boost metabolism to aid weight loss, block allergic response, slow the growth of tumors, protect bones, fight bad breath, improve skin, protect against Parkinson's disease, and even delay the onset of diabetes."

Are you wondering just how much caffeine you're consuming daily? Here's an idea of the average amount per serving:

Espresso (1oz) - 64mg
Coffee (5oz cup) - 80mg
Cola (5oz cup) - 45mg
Black tea (one tea bag) - 40mg
Green tea (one tea bag) - 30mg
Decaf tea (one tea bag) - 2mg

Coffee consumption should be limited to no more than 8 cups daily and switched from regular to decaf in mid-day. However, green or black tea can be consumed in greater quantities. It's noted that regular green or black tea should be switched to decaf in mid-day as well.

So, enjoy both your favorite drinks and get the best of both worlds....taste and health benefits.

* http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea?page=2



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