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

3. Brain and cognition: Which helps memory and focus

Studies link both green tea and coffee to better brain health, but they seem to work through different compounds. Regular green tea drinking has been associated with large reductions in the chance of cognitive impairment; one analysis reported about a 37% lower odds of cognitive problems and about a 25% lower risk of dementia with two to three cups daily. Coffee drinkers also show lower risks of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and some research ties coffee intake to markers of healthier biological ageing in severe mental disorders. The stimulant caffeine helps alertness, but it’s not the whole story. Tea’s L‑theanine pairs with caffeine to produce calm, sustained focus—helpful for study sessions or long work calls—while coffee delivers a sharper wakefulness that many prefer for short-term performance. For long-term brain health, a combination approach—green tea for steady neuroprotection and coffee for focused bursts—matches both tradition and evidence.