Studies have shown that regularly drinking tea or coffee can help reduce your risk of cancer, stroke, and other chronic diseases.

Stroke and cancer are among the leading causes of illness and death today. In the past, these conditions mostly affected older adults, but now they are increasingly common in younger people. To lower the risk, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and building a balanced lifestyle. Using certain foods and beverages—such as tea and coffee—can also contribute to prevention.

Tea and coffee are widely grown in Vietnam, and their leaves and beans are commonly used to make beverages. Green tea is especially popular among middle-aged and older adults, while coffee is a go-to drink for young people, particularly office workers, to stay alert and start their day productively.

According to our records, coffee typically costs from 10,000 VND to 40,000 VND per cup, while green tea ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 VND per cup, depending on the type and location.

Tea and coffee are familiar beverages for Vietnamese people.

Some studies suggest that both tea and coffee contain beneficial compounds. Drinking them regularly may not only help prevent stroke and cancer but also support weight loss and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Specifically:

---

Rich in Antioxidants

Both beverages are packed with antioxidant molecules. These antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the Western diet. Similarly, tea is an excellent antioxidant source as well. Drinking either tea or coffee means you’re helping protect your body.

---

Reduced Risk of Stroke

People who drink tea and coffee may have a lower risk of stroke. Tea helps prevent the formation of blood clots—the main cause of stroke. Research shows that coffee drinkers have about a 20% lower risk of stroke compared to non-drinkers.

---

Lower Cancer Risk

Coffee may help reduce the risk of two common types of cancer: liver cancer and colorectal cancer. Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of developing cancer. Drinking several cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 15%.

Polyphenols—key compounds found in tea—have been proven to help fight cancer. These substances may help protect against several types of cancer.

---

Supports Weight Loss

Tea, especially green tea, has been shown to boost metabolism, which is important for weight loss. Drinking more than three cups of green tea a day can help your body burn around 80 calories.

Coffee also boosts metabolic rate by up to 11%, making it helpful for fat burning. It can also enhance workout performance and increase calorie burn during exercise.

---

Improves Concentration

If you often feel distracted or unable to stay focused, a cup of coffee may be exactly what you need. With its high caffeine content, coffee provides an immediate energy boost. Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which increases the activity of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine—leading to improved focus.

Tea, especially green tea, can also enhance concentration. The caffeine in tea is balanced with theanine, creating a calmer but sharper focus effect.

---

Important Notes When Drinking Tea or Coffee

– If you are prone to anxiety or don’t usually drink coffee: caffeine may cause jitteriness or excessive nervousness. Coffee contains three times more caffeine than tea, increasing the likelihood of side effects.

– If you are pregnant: avoid drinking more than one cup of coffee per day.

– If you have an irregular heartbeat: caffeine may cause rapid heart rate.

– If you haven’t eaten in the past 24 hours: tannins in tea and coffee may cause nausea.