People with diabetes have often been told to stay away from sweet and sugary drinks like soda, fruit juice and energy drinks. But that does not mean one has to miss out on exquisite taste and flavour. In fact, there are a wide variety of drinks that one could enjoy without having to worry about blood sugar spikes -like an unsweetened hot or cold tea. Being the second most consumed beverage right after water, teas come in all types of blends and varieties, some of which are loaded with unique health benefits.
With that being said, there are certain teas that are known to be particularly beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes by reducing inflammation, promoting blood sugar control and enhancing insulin sensitivity. If you are someone looking for ways to manage your blood sugar levels, the healthy and natural way, you are at the right place. Read on to learn in detail how tea actually regulates diabetes control, as well as our recommendation on some of the best teas for healthy and natural diabetes control.
Managing diabetes through Tea
It is a known fact that teas, both true teas and herbals teas, are a storehouse for a wide variety of health-benefiting properties; and that includes properties that are particularly beneficial for people with diabetes. On top of that, unsweetened teas contain zero calories, making them an excellent option for optimizing diabetic control, unlike other sugary beverages like soda and sweetened coffee.
Certain teas are known to contain plant compounds that fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for people with diabetes. In fact, teas such as green tea, black tea and oolong tea are particularly rich in polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds that are known to enhance insulin activity. They also contain flavonoids theanine which helps to control blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. Lastly, drinking unsweetened tea keeps the body hydrated, which is essential for the bodily process, including blood sugar regulation.
Therefore, when it comes to diabetes, choosing the right foods and beverages that enhance healthy blood sugar control is the solution. And tea, particularly unsweetened one and without milk, is the answer to that!
Best Teas for Diabetes
Now that you know the importance of tea for diabetic control, here are some of the best teas for people dealing with diabetes.
1. Green tea
Several studies have suggested that regular drinking of green tea is linked with low chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Green tea contains compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to stimulate the absorption of glucose into skeletal muscle cells, therefore reducing blood sugar levels. Plus, green tea is endowed with numerous health-enhancing properties that help reduce cellular damage, decrease inflammation, optimize blood sugar control –all of which for those with diabetes.
2. Black tea
It has been suggested by several studies that drinking black tea may lower the risk of developing diabetes or diabetes complications by increasing insulin sensitivity, as well as alleviating the inflammatory response. Besides, black tea contains bioactive compounds such as theaflavins and thearubigins that are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-lowering properties.
3. Curcumin/Turmeric tea
Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called Curcumin which is known to possess blood sugar-lowering properties. Regular consumption of Turmeric or Curcumin tea is linked to healthy blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity and increases glucose absorption in tissues. Apart from this, studies have also shown that Curcumin may also be beneficial in reducing blood sugar, as well as blood lipid levels.
4. Hibiscus tea
Consuming hibiscus tea on a regular basis is linked with effective diabetes management and other issues linked to the disease. Hibiscus tea contains unique properties that are particularly beneficial for lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation –all of which are linked to diabetes. In fact, high blood pressure is common in people with diabetes. Several studies have also demonstrated hibiscus tea to have the ability to reduce insulin sensitivity.
5. Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon is a well-known spice with potent anti-diabetic properties. It helps decrease blood sugar levels and significantly decreases pre-meal glucose. Other ways cinnamon helps decrease cellular damage include slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream, enhancing sugar absorption and promoting insulin sensitivity. Another study also found that cinnamon can significantly benefit fasting blood sugar levels and levels.
6. Ginger tea
Ginger is the one spice that possesses the ability to improve glycemic control in the body by inhibiting enzymes that are involved in the carbohydrate metabolism process as well as increased insulin sensitivity. It also enables more absorption of glucose into the peripheral adipose and skeletal muscle tissue, thereby promoting a healthy blood sugar level.
7. Chamomile tea
One of the many benefits chamomile tea offers, besides relaxing the mind, is healthy blood glucose regulation. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of chamomile tea helps reduce HbA1c and insulin levels among people with diabetes. Apart from this, chamomile tea also helps protects against oxidative stress, which is an imbalance that can lead to diabetes-related complications.
8. Peppermint tea
The calming benefits of peppermint tea are particularly beneficial for people with diabetes. By reducing stress levels, blood glucose levels can also be easily improved. Stress is one of the many factors contributing to high blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control. Just being exposed to the minty scent of the tea in it can reduce stress on a significant level.
9.Tea to look out for –Diabetic Care Curcumin Tea
A new addition to their wide arrays of herbal teas, Diabetic Care Tea by Preserva Wellness contains all the finest ingredients needed for managing diabetes effectively and naturally. The rich blend of ingredients such as Green tea leaves, Curcumin, Sage, Cinnamon powder, Gudmar, Guduchi and Vijaysar offers a refreshing and flavourful way to lowering high blood sugar levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity, suppressing sugar cravings, and managing diabetes and diabetes-related complications the healthy way!
The Takeaway
Diabetes mellitus is a lifestyle disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. With 69.2 million people living with diabetes, India is no exception. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly 98 million people would develop type 2 diabetes by the year 2030. Therefore, it is crucial we take all the necessary steps needed in preventing and managing this disease.
With that being said, diabetes being a lifestyle disorder, it is also important to know that much power is well within our control –especially when it comes to combating this disease. Leading a healthy lifestyle, staying active, eating healthy, staying positive, and things as simple as drinking healthy teas are just as valuable an effort as far as controlling diabetes is concerned.