Wide tea varieties offer unique health benefits, some of which are listed below. Several types of tea may be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, helping to control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance insulin sensitivity. This article aims to explain the benefits of tea for people with diabetes, list the best teas for diabetes control, and explain how to enjoy tea safely and healthfully.
What effect does tea have on diabetes control?
Over two-thirds of people consume tea, making it one of the most popular drinks in the world. There are numerous tea varieties created from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, in addition to black, green, and herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile.
Due to the potent plant components they contain, both real teas and herbal teas have been linked to a number of health advantages, and studies have revealed that some teas have qualities that are especially advantageous for those who have diabetes.
Chronically high blood sugar levels are a hallmark of diabetes, a collection of disorders brought on by either insufficient insulin secretion, diminished insulin sensitivity, or both.
the strict control of blood sugar in diabetics The best strategy to improve diabetic management is to choose calorie-free or extremely low-calorie liquids like unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks like soda and sweetened coffee drinks. Additionally, some tea kinds contain plant components that prevent cellular damage, lessen inflammation, and regulate blood sugar, making them a fantastic option for diabetics. Additionally, consuming unsweetened tea can aid with hydration.
Every body function, including the control of blood sugar, depends on maintaining a proper level of hydration.
According to research, dehydration is linked to elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics, emphasizing the significance of regular fluid intake.
Summary
Some teas have ingredients that may improve diabetic control. Additionally, tea can aid in hydration, which is necessary for optimal blood sugar balance.
Recommended tea for people with diabetes
As according research, certain teas are helpful for managing diabetes because they have anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering, and insulin-sensitizing effects. The tea listed below are some of the best selections for diabetics.
The tea listed below are some of the best selections for diabetics.
Green tea
There are numerous health advantages to drinking green tea, some of which are especially advantageous for those with diabetes. Drinking green tea, for instance, may improve blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, and prevent cellular damage.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the components in green tea, has been demonstrated to increase the absorption of glucose into skeletal muscle cells, hence lowering blood sugar levels.
Green tea consumption significantly decreased fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c, according to an analysis of 17 research including 1,133 persons with and without diabetes (HbA1c), a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Black tea
Theaflavins and thearubigins are two strong plant chemicals in black tea with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-lowering activities.
According to rat research, drinking black tea prevents carbs from being absorbed by blocking certain enzymes, which may help control blood sugar levels.
Research including 24 participants, some of whom had prediabetes, found that drinking black tea combined with a sweet beverage dramatically lowered blood sugar levels when compared to a control group.
Black tea may aid in promoting appropriate insulin production, according to different rodent research. by protecting the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas.
Studies on humans have also shown advantages, although it is unclear how they work.
Hibiscus tea
The petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant are used to make hibiscus tea, commonly referred to as sour tea, a beverage that is tangy and vividly colored.
Hibiscus tea’s vibrant crimson color is a result of the polyphenol antioxidants found in hibiscus petals, which include organic acids and anthocyanins.
It has been demonstrated that drinking hibiscus tea has a variety of positive health impacts, including lowering blood pressure and decreasing inflammation.
With diabetes, high blood pressure is a regular occurrence.
Over 73% of Americans with diabetes are also thought to have high blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea may assist diabetics in managing their blood pressure levels.
In a study of 60 diabetics, those who drank hibiscus tea twice daily for a month had substantial drops in systolic blood pressure (the highest reading on the blood pressure cuff), compared to those who drank black tea.
Furthermore, research indicates that hibiscus may lessen insulin resistance.
The diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, which is frequently recommended to people with high blood pressure, may interact with hibiscus tea.
Cinnamon tea
Popular spice cinnamon is said to have anti-diabetic effects.
Numerous individuals use pills containing concentrated cinnamon to assist lower their blood sugar levels, but research suggests that consuming cinnamon tea may offer advantages as well.
According to research done on 30 healthy persons, consuming 3.5 ounces (100 mL) of cinnamon tea before consuming a sugar solution resulted in lower blood sugar levels than the control group.
Another recent study found that giving healthy persons a supplement containing 6 grams of cinnamon daily for 40 days resulted in a substantial reduction in pre-meal glucose levels.
Cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels in a number of different ways, including decreasing the release of sugar into circulation, improving cellular glucose absorption, and boosting.
However, a 2013 analysis indicated that although cinnamon can considerably improve lipid and fasting blood sugar levels, it doesn’t appear to be beneficial in lowering HbA1C or average blood sugar.
Before definitive conclusions on cinnamon’s impact on blood sugar levels can be drawn, more human study is required.
Turmeric tea
Turmeric, a spice with a striking orange color, is widely recognized for having potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
The primary active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been investigated for its potential to decrease blood sugar levels. According to studies, curcumin may support normal blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and boosting the absorption of glucose by tissues.
The use of curcumin was linked to considerably lower blood sugar and blood lipid levels, according to a review of human and animal research published in 2020.
The review also mentioned that consuming curcumin may lessen cellular damage, lower pro-inflammatory chemical levels, and enhance kidney function.
You may make turmeric tea at home with turmeric powder or buy it from health food stores.
Keep in mind that piperine, a key ingredient in black pepper, considerably raises the amount of curcumin. bioavailability, so don’t forget to add a sprinkle of black pepper to your turmeric tea for maximum benefits.
Summary
Cinnamon, turmeric, lemon balm, black tea, hibiscus tea, and chamomile tea have all been demonstrated to have antidiabetic qualities and may be wise beverage choices for diabetics.
The Key takeaway
Strong chemicals found in some teas may be advantageous for diabetics.
According to research, black tea, chamomile tea, lemon balm tea, hibiscus tea, turmeric tea, hibiscus tea, cinnamon tea, lemon balm tea, and green tea may all have potent anti-diabetic properties, making them excellent alternatives for diabetics.
However, it’s crucial to select unsweetened tea beverages wherever feasible, and you should always consult your doctor before including a new herbal tea in your diet.
