Is coffee a tea?
In this brief text we will provide you the answer to the question: “Is coffee a tea?”. In addition, we will explain what infusion is, what is coffee tea and what is coffee leaf tea. Furthermore, we will discuss the difference between tea and coffee for your health.
Is coffee a tea?
No, coffee isn’t tea. People abuse the word tea as a synonym for infusion, but in real tea it is a word borrowed from Japanese and Chinese that names the infusion made with the leaf of the tea herb – Camelia sinensis.
The correct name of the preparation is infusion or tisane. Coffee is certainly an infusion, but as it is not made from herb leaves, it cannot be called a tisane. It is certainly not a tea, because it is not made from Camellia sinensis.
Which is healthier: tea or coffee?
In fact, both tea and coffee have very similar qualities and their consumption has, in most cases, a positive effect on health.
For starters, both coffee and tea are sources of antioxidants called polyphenols. These substances are known to act in reducing inflammation in the body and thus preventing the emergence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative problems and diabetes.
Both drinks stimulate the production of gastric juice, which aids in the process of breaking down food. However, individuals who are anxious or who already suffer from a stomach problem (such as gastritis, for example) may end up experiencing pain and burning when ingesting tea.
The tannins and caffeine present in coffee can reduce the absorption of some nutrients, such as calcium, iron, zinc and copper. The same thing happens with green tea, which also has caffeine.
In addition, although the intake of tea also helps in the production of gastric juice and has a positive effect on those who feel full, the presence of catechins hinders the absorption of fats – which can be good for those who are looking to lose weight, but impairs the use of fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, E and K).
What is coffee husk tea?
Coffee tea is also known as cascara or cascara sagrada tea. The name comes from the husk of the grain called “cascar”. Very common abroad, called cascara tea there, it has a striking, sweet and slightly fruity flavor.
The drink was discovered by – until then – Canadian students Max Rivest and Arnaud Petitvallet. They carried out research that proved that coffee husks and leaves could be infused and ingested.
Coffee husks are low in caffeine and rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, compounds not even found in green tea in such abundance. In addition to the great taste and aroma, shells are very beneficial to the body.
Coffee tea is rich in benefits for the body. Phenolic compounds such as mangiferin, hydroxycinnamic acid esters (HCEs) and antioxidants are widely found in cascara and help to prevent some diseases.
Is there coffee leaf tea?
Yes, there is coffee leaf tea. Coffee leaf tea has an earthy flavor, is less bitter than
tea and not as strong as coffee, with less caffeine present.
It also has high levels of components that reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, which are mangericin and phenolic compounds, these components are proven to be antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobials and vasodilators, in addition to neuroprotective action and as a result can combat fatigue, mental tiredness, diarrhea, colic in general, it is a digestive stimulant and dilate the bronchi.
What is tea infusion?
By definition, it means immersing leaves, roots, seeds and plants directly in hot water. In this concept, infusions made with herbs, mint, ginger, coffee husks or even the drink prepared in methods such as the French press, which puts the powder in direct contact with the liquid, can enter.
Infusion is a term that you must have heard or read a few times and that it is very likely that you do not know the real meaning. For starters, the word doesn’t mean tea, much less a cup of coffee passed through a sieve.
In the case of coffee, this process can be done in several different ways. Starting with its leaves that, placed in hot water, can help fight fatigue, mental fatigue and other diseases. Coffee husks can also be used, a very common habit in Central America, Africa and the Middle East.
Other FAQs about Coffee that you may be interested in.
Is coffee an ally of those who are bodybuilders?
Conclusion
In this brief text we provided you the answer to the question: “Is coffee a tea?”. In addition, we explained what infusion is, what is coffee tea and what is coffee leaf tea. Furthermore, we discussed the difference between tea and coffee for your health.
