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

2. Heart and circulation: Comparing cardiovascular benefits

Both beverages have been linked to cardiovascular protection, but studies highlight different strengths. Tea drinkers tend to see lower rates of stroke and coronary events; black tea in particular appears associated with reduced coronary heart disease risk when consumed regularly in modest amounts. Coffee, on the other hand, has shown links to lower cardiovascular mortality—one synthesis of findings noted about a 19% lower risk in regular moderate drinkers. The way you prepare your drink matters for heart health. Minimal sweetening and avoiding heavy creams keep benefits intact, while sugary chai or coffee laced with syrups can raise cardiovascular risk over time. If you have high blood pressure or are on heart medications, discuss caffeine with your clinician since individual responses vary. For many people, two to four cups split across the day—tea earlier, a coffee mid-morning—offers a heart-friendly routine that pairs cultural habits like tiffin-time chai with research-backed protection.