Green tea vs. coffee

An average cup (8 ounces) of coffee contains more than 3 times the amount of caffeine than a cup of green tea:
- 1 cup of coffee contains about 95-165 mg of caffeine
- 1 cup of green tea contains about 25 mg of caffeine
- A cup of decaffeinated coffee contains a small level of caffeine (2 to 3 mg).
- However, just an ounce of espresso has 64 mg of caffeine.
Whatever you prefer drinking, stick to consuming less than 400 mg of caffeine total per day.
What are the health benefits of caffeine?
For hundreds of years, caffeine has been consumed in the form of coffee, tea, and other beverages as a stimulant that provides a boost of energy. It has been used to increase alertness, concentration, and athletic performance.
Caffeine is used in medications for:
Moderate caffeine consumption can reduce your risk of:
- Type II diabetes
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Parkinsonism
- Heart attack
- Uterine cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gout
Green tea also contains healthy substances including polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants that help alleviate inflammation and prevent the formation of blood clots in arteries. This can lower the risk of diseases due to atherosclerosis, such as heart diseases and stroke.
The amino acid L-theanine in green tea works in combination with caffeine to help improve focus and alertness. This effect may make green tea a better choice for you over coffee if you need to be on your toes most of the time.

Does caffeine cause any negative side effects?
Drinking 4 cups of coffee or 400 mg of caffeine each day is generally considered safe. However, consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day can lead to negative side effects, including:
- Restlessness
- Irritation
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Pounding heart
- Increase in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Muscle tremors (feeling shaky)
- Frequent trips to the washroom
- Dehydration
You may be sensitive to even a small amount of caffeine. In this case, you may need to keep track of how much caffeine you consume throughout the day.
If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you need to limit your caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. According to a 2017 study, high caffeine consumption during pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
If you suffer from stomach issues, such as heartburn or acid reflux, you should avoid caffeine completely or only have very small amounts.
To prevent the negative effects of caffeine, make sure you have not more than 200 mg of caffeine at a time.

SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Harvard Health Publishing. The Latest Scoop on the Health Benefits of Coffee. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429
Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The Combined Effects of L-Theanine and Caffeine on Cognitive Performance and Mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681988/
Top How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea vs. Coffee Related Articles
Caffeine: 9 Health Benefits When You Give Up Caffeine
What would happen if you gave up caffeine? Find out what health benefits could be in store for your body and mind.Caffeine Quiz
If you can't function without your morning cup of java or your afternoon caffeine jolt, this quiz is for you. Learn about your caffeine addiction with the Caffeine Quiz.Top Cancer-Fighting Foods
Experts have praised certain foods for their ability to reduce cancer risks. Learn which foods and eating strategies may help reduce your risk of developing cancer.Is Coffee Good for Gout?
Moderate coffee consumption may lower your risk of developing gout and reduce the chances of having a flare-up. Coffee contains beneficial compounds such as caffeine and polyphenols which can lower uric acid levels in the body.Is Coffee Good for Your Health?
Coffee is the most popular stimulant substance drunk all over the world. More than 150 million people in the United States drink coffee daily. The average coffee consumption by US adults is approximately two cups per day, which is the equivalent of approximately 280 mg of caffeine.Is Tea or Coffee Better for Your Health?
Tea is generally safe, even in large amounts. While coffee is also safe to drink, high amounts can cause some problems.What Are the Negative Effects of Coffee?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the US. People drink coffee several times a day citing the reason that it makes them stay alert and focused. And yes! It does. The effect is due to the stimulant, caffeine.What Happens If I Drink Green Tea Every Day?
Green tea is a substance that has been popular for its health benefits for centuries. Green tea boosts immunity, reduces acne, aids in weight management, promotes heart health, may fight cancer, treats genital warts and helps promote brain health.