One of the main reasons people turn to tea and coffee is that it keeps them feeling awake and switched on. This, holistic nutritionist Cheryl Telfer says, is because caffeine “blocks the effects of adenosine – a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and makes you feel tired.”

Studies have found that coffee drinkers tend to walk an average of 1,000 steps a day more than non-coffee drinkers, thanks to its caffeine content. We also know that caffeine can act as a kind of performance enhancer. Many of us who run or gym turn to coffee before heading out for that extra boost; caffeine’s the main ingredient in pre-workout supplements.

And, of course, plants that are naturally caffeinated come with their own health benefits. Coffee is great for gut health thanks to the fact that it’s the byproduct of a fermented bean. It’s rich in polyphenols and fibre. Tea tends to be high in flavanols – chemicals known to help reduce high blood pressure and protect heart health.

Does tea have more caffeine than coffee? Nutritionists explain why you shouldn't drink more than 4 cups a day