11 Evidence-Based Facts: Coffee vs Tea Health Benefits Compared

11. Best blend: Combining coffee and tea for complementary benefits

Some studies suggest a combined approach gives the best of both worlds. One large analysis found that people who consumed a mix of coffee and tea—roughly a 2:3 coffee-to-tea ratio across seven to eight daily drinks—had the largest reduction in mortality risk. That doesn’t mean everyone should aim for eight drinks daily, but the finding points to complementary effects: coffee offers metabolic and liver protection while tea supports cardiovascular and cognitive health. A practical cultural routine might be a morning filter coffee for alertness, a mid-morning green tea, a tiffin-time cup of black tea, and an evening light herbal or green tea—adjusted for caffeine tolerance. Combining drinks across the day can also let you enjoy regional rituals—like chai with breakfast and a small coffee after chores—while staying in evidence-backed ranges.