By: Lifestyle DeskDelhi | November 18, 2025 06:25 PM IST 4 min readCoffee and tea play a key role in our daily routines. It’s hard to say which is better since both can give you an energy boost. But what actually happens if you drink five cups of each every day? Is one healthier than the other?To find out, we asked Dr Amit Saraf, Director of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, who explained that coffee has more caffeine and gives you a quick energy boost. Tea has less caffeine and also contains L-theanine, which helps calm your mind.So, what happens to your body if you drink five cups of coffee or tea each day?Dr Saraf told indianexpress.com that if you drink five cups a day, your body can become accustomed to the caffeine, so you may need more to feel the same effect. Excessive coffee consumption can also increase stress hormones, cause restlessness, and disrupt sleep. Some people find their sleep is lighter or they wake up feeling tired.He added that tea has less caffeine and contains L-theanine, which helps calm the mind. “Due to this, even several cups of tea a day usually provide steady energy without causing anxiety or sleep problems like coffee sometimes does.”How much is too much?Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea can also affect how your body absorbs certain nutrients, elaborated Dr Saraf. “Coffee can make it harder to absorb calcium and, if you drink it after a meal, it may reduce iron absorption. Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins that can bind to iron from plant-based foods, making it harder for your body to utilise. Both drinks have mild diuretic effects, but they will not dehydrate you if you also drink enough water.” Coffee vs tea: Which is better (Photo: Freepik)The key is to enjoy these drinks in moderationDr Saraf reiterated that the most important thing is to enjoy coffee and tea in moderation and drink plenty of water during the day to balance out the effects of caffeine. “Most adults can safely consume up to 300 to 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about 3 to 4 cups of coffee or 6 to 8 cups of tea.”ALSO READ | Why some people feel sleepy after coffeeHere’s what can happen if you drink more than you needDrinking more than required can temporarily raise your blood pressure, cause your heart to beat faster, or leave you feeling jittery and stressed, according to Dr Saraf.Story continues below this ad“To avoid these problems, try to spread out your drinks throughout the day, skip caffeine at night, or opt for herbal or decaf options. Pay attention to how your body feels. If you have trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, or an upset stomach, it might be time to cut back.”Secondly, advised Dr Saraf, “Try spacing your cups through the day, avoiding it at night, and switching to herbal or decaf options. Your body provides good feedback for a balanced energy level with no side effects, such as sleep disturbances, racing thoughts, or stomach upset.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:black teaCoffee