Coffee reigns supreme at breakfast for the vast majority of adults. It's also present during mid-morning breaks, after-dinner chats, afternoon snacks... Meanwhile, tea consumption continues to grow in our country and is carving out an increasingly important niche.
We drink them because we like them, of course. They are comforting drinks that evoke moments and have their own ritual. But we also drink them because they wake us up like a slap in the face. The question is, which one delivers a better jolt?
IT'S ALL ABOUT CAFFEINE
The secret of coffee is, of course, caffeine. As you well know, this molecule is responsible for that energy boost that feels so good when we drink coffee.
The theine in tea is not a different substance. In reality, it is caffeine. The only difference is that it is surrounded by other substances unique to tea (non-existent in coffee), which alter its effects on our brain.
Do you know how caffeine works? To begin discussing the effects of coffee and tea, we must delve into the fascinating chemistry of our bodies. Let's dust off those old biology notes from high school. Don't worry! We'll simplify the explanation as much as possible.
TIREDNESS IS IN YOUR HEAD
The matter begins with the metabolism of sugars. In the process that allows us to extract energy from sugars, a substance called adenosine is produced. This has many functions, but if we want to stay alert, one of them is our enemy.
Adenosine affects our neurons. On the surface of these cells are multiple receptors that are activated and produce an effect on the cell when they come into contact with the appropriate molecule. Imagine this as a lock that only works with the right key.
When adenosine (the key) fits into its receptors (the lock), an immediate effect occurs: the neurons send the message that we are tired and sleepy. The body gets tired because it is told it is tired!
But here comes the caffeine. It turns out that the caffeine molecule has such a similar shape to adenosine that it displaces it in the brain's game of musical chairs. Therefore, adenosine cannot activate the neuron, and no one tells the body it's tired. And if no one tells it, it ignores everything and keeps the party going.
Furthermore, caffeine is involved in the presence of adrenaline, the substance that puts us on alert, increases our reflexes, boosts our heart rate, and stimulates the brain.
SO, WHICH ONE WINS IN TERMS OF ENERGY?
The effect of caffeine is noticeable 15 minutes after consumption and will be more intense the more receptors are occupied by its molecules. That is, the higher the concentration of caffeine, the greater the effect on the brain (up to a limit, of course).
Coffee has between 80 and 185 mg of caffeine, while tea has 15-70 mg. Therefore, a cup of coffee gives us more energy, wakes us up more, and acts faster than a cup of tea. However, its effect wears off more quickly, while theine remains in our body longer and has a more prolonged effect.
If you decide to opt for tea, a healthier alternative to coffee, these are the teas that contain the most theine:
- Black tea – Between 25 and 100 mg per cup
- Green tea – Between 10 and 50 mg per cup
- Red tea – Between 0 and 20 mg per cup (depends on the fermentation process)
- White tea – 1 mg per cup
Ultimately, which to choose? If you're looking for a quick burst of energy, coffee is definitely your friend. But it's also a matter of taste. Which one will you choose?