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

4. Metabolic health and diabetes risk

When it comes to blood sugar and metabolic disease, both drinks show protective associations. Observational analyses suggest coffee lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes substantially—some reports estimate about a 6% reduction in diabetes risk per additional cup, though this varies by study design and preparation. Green tea offers modest but consistent improvements in fasting glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profiles when consumed regularly; the maximum benefit for tea in diabetes prevention often appears around three to four cups daily. Remember, these findings are population-level associations rather than proof of direct cause for every individual. Lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and body weight are major drivers of diabetes risk, too. Still, swapping a sugary drink for tea, or choosing black or lightly sweetened coffee instead of a high-calorie latte, can be a practical, culture-friendly step toward better metabolic health.