{"id":1734,"date":"2025-02-17T16:58:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T05:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movewithnicole.com.au\/blog\/are-coffee-and-tea-considered-part-of-your-water-intake.html"},"modified":"2025-02-17T16:58:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T05:58:27","slug":"are-coffee-and-tea-considered-part-of-your-water-intake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movewithnicole.com.au\/blog\/are-coffee-and-tea-considered-part-of-your-water-intake.html","title":{"rendered":"Are Coffee and Tea Considered Part of Your Water Intake?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s an age-old question \u2014 so we consulted the experts and research.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur bodies are made up of to 60% water,\u201d explains\u00a0Tamsin Jordan, M.S., R.D.<\/p>\n

Along with aiding digestion, flushing out impurities, and keeping our joints lubricated, the water in our bodies literally helps us think (the brain uses water to make hormones and neurotransmitters).<\/p>\n

While water may technically help us think and stay energized, many of us feel like we still need a little extra caffeine kick to get our minds going \u2014 and coffee and tea taste good.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also some debate on\u00a0caffeine and exercise performance.<\/p>\n

Apart from water, tea and coffee are the\u00a0two most widely consumed beverages in the world.<\/p>\n

But when it comes to hydration,\u00a0does coffee count as water?\u00a0Does tea count as water? Is pure H2O the only thing that counts as water?<\/p>\n

(And\u00a0do we need to drink different kinds of water?)<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s settle the debate once and for all!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Does Coffee Count as Water?<\/h2>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to stick to plain water to stay hydrated,\u201d explains Jordan. \u201cOther fluids, and certain foods, count too.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, total water is the fluid intake from plain drinking water, other beverages, and even food.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee counts towards your fluid intake, within reason,\u201d says Jordan. \u201cThe caffeine in coffee does have a slightly diuretic effect, meaning it can cause you to lose water.\u201d<\/p>\n

However,\u00a0studies\u00a0have found coffee only has a dehydrating effect when drunk in high amounts of at least 250-300 mg. That equals around two to three cups of coffee.\u00a0Another study\u00a0showed no evidence of dehydration with moderate caffeine consumption.<\/p>\n

That sounds like good news if you love your morning cup of joe. But wait, there\u2019s more.<\/p>\n

Research\u00a0has also found that there are actual perks to drinking coffee besides waking you up, namely phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties.<\/p>\n

To keep coffee beneficial, \u201ctry not to exceed more than one or two cups per day and avoid adding extra sugar or syrups,\u201d recommends Jordan.<\/p>\n

One strategy for scaling back your coffee intake is replacing it with water \u2014 and that\u2019s also a\u00a0way to drink more water\u00a0\u2014 so a win-win.<\/p>\n

Does Tea Count as Water?<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe water in tea can contribute to our daily hydration,\u201d explains\u00a0Danielle Gaffen, M.S., R.D.N.<\/p>\n

Black tea and green tea contain caffeine, but they have less than the average cup of coffee. Many herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, are completely caffeine-free.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumerous\u00a0studies\u00a0have shown that teas have a variety of health benefits,\u201d says Jordan. \u201cGreen tea is one of the healthiest teas due to its polyphenol content,\u201d which may\u00a0lower inflammation. We\u2019re also fans of\u00a0matcha green tea, for increased energy, focus, and relaxation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend choosing a high-quality green tea and allowing it to brew for several minutes to maximize the health effects,\u201d says Jordan.<\/p>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

What Else Counts as Water?<\/h2>\n

The reason we need water is to keep us hydrated, but there are other hydrating liquids and foods in addition to H2O.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, the\u00a0CDC explains: \u201cAlthough daily fluid intake can come from food and beverages, plain drinking water is one good way of getting fluids as it has zero calories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Water is the most basic beverage to stay hydrated and keep it simple without drinking extra calories, but there are other ways to get the fluid intake you need for survival.<\/p>\n

Coffee and tea both can count towards staying hydrated, but so do milk, juice, and most beverages. Keep in mind these drinks tend to be higher in sugar and calories.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t like the taste of plain water, try adding in natural flavorings, such as a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon,\u201d says Jordan.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome fruits and vegetables are also particularly hydrating,\u201d she adds. \u201cWatermelon is 90% water and makes a refreshing snack. Other hydrating fruits include oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the veggie side, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce are some water-rich options.<\/p>\n

The takeaway? Drink plenty of plain water every day, but other beverages, such as coffee and tea, also hydrate (but skip the added sugars and cream).<\/p>\n

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