Whether you're a coffee-lover or tea enthusiast, there's ample reason why you should continue downing your favourite drink. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of consuming coffee and tea.

NEUTRALISE FREE RADICALS

Certain conditions such as pollution, herbicides in the environment or even exposure to cigarette smoke prompt the release of free radicals in the body. These chemicals are damaging to cells, and cause illness. The remedy: antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals. Coffee and tea are rich in antioxidants that help the body fight these destructive chemicals.

COMBAT PARKINSON'S DISEASE Studies conducted

Eat Healthy by organisations such as the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) and Harvard University found that drinking more coffee and tea is linked with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease (that affects the central nervous system), and that caffeine can allay motor disability and complications caused by the disease. Researchers also discovered that these beverages are a strong preventive biochemical agent against ailments like diabetes and even cancer.

STROKE PREVENTION

The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), which studies the scientific link between coffee and health, cites numerous reports whereby coffee lowers the risk of stroke. This is because a daily cup of the beverage can ease inflammation and control blood sugar. Black tea, which is said to help regulate blood pressure, also helps alleviate the effects of stroke.

AVERT GALLSTONES

Gallstones form in the gallbladder when cholesterol becomes crystallised. If left untreated, gallstones cause severe pain and can escalate into serious health problems. Drinking coffee or tea, which helps move fluids through the gallbladder, helps reduce the risk of gallstones.

NOTE: BOTH BEVERAGES SHOULD BE CONSUMED IN MODERATION.

SOURCE: www.webmd.com