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Is it Better to Drink Tea or Water?

Tea is made from water, so is drinking tea the same as drinking water? Technically you still are getting the water that is in the tea just as you would get by drinking the same amount in a glass. However, when drinking tea, the risk of unwanted extras such as caffeine, sugar and fats arises.

  1. Caffeine

    • Caffeine undoubtedly closes the debate of tea versus water in the favor of H2O. While caffeine in moderation is not bad for you, there are studies that show overconsumption of caffeine can have negative effects on the body. Studies are not definite, but there are connections that suggest the substituting of caffeinated beverages such as tea for water results in a lack of fluids. When in doubt, drink one cup of tea along with one cup of water. Caffeine is present in black tea, and even decaffeinated black tea and green tea contain trace amounts.

    Tea Benefits

    • Herbal teas do not contain caffeine, and therefore have no negative effects on the body. Drinking an herbal tea will give you the exact benefit as drinking the same volume of water, yet with the added benefits of the herbs. There are many antioxidants (antioxidants help the body's immune system fight off free radicals) in green tea, black tea and herbal teas, which have added benefits that water lacks. So in benefits other than rehydration, tea stands above water.

    Sugar

    • While tea in itself is a wholesome substance, it is often a vulnerable vessel for lurking sugars and fats. If you add sugar, creams or sweeteners to your teas, whether black or herbal, you must keep in mind that you are consuming a calorie- and fat-containing beverage.

    Teeth

    • One inarguable advantage of drinking water over tea is that water helps maintain your teeth's appearance, while black teas and sugary herbals can stain and deposit sugar.

    Water is Water

    • Remember that water is water. If you are dehydrated, drinking a cup of tea or any other caffeinated beverage will rehydrate you even though there is caffeine in it. However, water, in the end, has no unpleasant side effects such as sugar, chemicals, staining agents or caffeine. So though tea has many benefits and is undoubtedly good for your body, water has zero negative aspects. If you are thirsty, drinking either tea or water will hydrate you, the only difference is the added effects of caffeine or sugar.

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