How do you start your day? With a cup of coffee or tea? For most, the day, with or without breakfast, begins with the former. But, at the same time, many bemoan that they feel addicted to coffee, that they just want to kick the caffeine and not be so dependent. Regardless of the supposed health benefits of coffee, beginning your day with a cup of tea is one option for cutting down on the caffeine.

Considering just caffeine, generic black coffee trumps a cup of black tea in terms of milligrams per serving. A basic eight-ounce cup of coffee – generic brewed and not decaffeinated – has 95 to 200 milligrams. Black tea, while still caffeinated, has 40 to 120 milligrams. Green tea, with slightly less caffeine, may have about 25 milligrams. Amounts, however, vary with brands.

Aside from less caffeine, tea has another benefit: antioxidants. Although coffee, as well, has been found to have antioxidants as of recent, all types of tea go beyond in this respect. Based on studies, white tea has the greatest amount of antioxidants, which are said to reduce risks for cancer and heart disease. Green and black teas come after, but both have greater amounts of antioxidants than coffee.

Aside from antioxidants, consider the calories that accompany each beverage. First, how many individuals do you know that drink their coffee black? Likely very few. While coffee on its own has few calories, the cream and sugar, in addition to whipped topping or syrup, significantly increase this amount. In fact, some coffee drinks, with cream, syrup, and a whipped topping, may have up to 600 calories per serving.

Tea, on the other hand, is often more pleasant to drink without cream and sugar. Without the harsh and bitter taste, tea on its own can be sweet, or modified through flavor infusions in such a way that significantly fewer calories are added. A cup of black tea, for instance, can be complemented through a fruit or spice infusion.

For those looking to cut down on calories or caffeine in the morning, consider the benefits of a cup of tea. With all of the types and flavors out there, a brew, be it green, black, or white, is sure to fit your tastes.