If you suffer from diabetes then you know how important it is to control your sugar intake and diet. If you want to lead a healthy life then regulating your blood sugar levels must be your top priority although it can prove to be a little difficult at times. You are required to stay off from a lot of beverages like sodas, juice, and sports drinks. But did you know that there is a beverage that has great taste and flavor options and it is good for diabetic patients as well? This beverage is Green Tea.
According to medical studies, Green Tea can effectively control diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. It is also known for its anti-cancer and heart health properties although how it potentially functions to fix these things is not known yet. It can also decrease obesity and people who consume green tea regularly stay more fit and healthy than those who do not.
How does Diabetes work?
If you are wondering how green tea is effective for controlling diabetes then you should first know how diabetes works. When you eat food that has carbohydrates, they are digested into sugar, and the pancreas releases insulin to help the cells absorb glucose that is used as fuel for this process. However, when you have diabetes, this entire process is hindered or slowed down. In Type 1 Diabetes, the cells of the pancreas responsible for producing glucose are killed by the body’s own immune system which makes them unable to produce insulin. In Type 2 Diabetes, the cells become desensitized to insulin and the pancreas does not make enough insulin required to maintain the blood sugar levels.
How does Green Tea Help?
Green Tea can reduce the risk of developing diabetes according to a study that shows people who consumed six or more cups of Green Tea were 33% less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes. But Green Tea not only prevents diabetes from developing but also helps manage it if you have already developed it. Green Tea decreases fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and A1C levels. The antioxidants polysaccharides and polyphenols present in Green Tea may be credited for the benefits as they are also the ones credited for Green Tea lowering cholesterol, managing blood pressure, and being an anticancer.
So, which green tea is best for diabetes? There is a huge variety of Green Tea that exists and each is known for its own benefits and properties. However, if you have diabetes then it is best to drink Green Tea without any added ingredients like milk, sweetener, or sugar. You can choose your dose of Green Tea from the following flavors as each of them are great for people who have diabetes and they have added benefits as well:
- Black Tea Help Reduce Insulin Resistance:
Although it comes from the same plant as Green Tea it is processed differently. Black tea has diabetes-friendly benefits and can help reduce insulin resistance in your cells. It may work by reducing carbohydrate absorption, playing the role of insulin on its own, or improving blood glucose. It was also noticed in a study that people who drink black tea have a lower chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
- Plain Green Tea Reduces Fat:
Green Tea is a great wake-me-up with over 28 milligrams of caffeine present in a cup. It does not only work by lowering your blood glucose but it is also known to target obesity. Since obesity is directly linked to developing diabetes, Green Tea further decreases your chances of developing diabetes by burning body fat. Green Tea contains a compound known for increasing the intake of glucose in the blood which is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
- Rooibos Tea Slows Down Diabetes:
If you have diabetes then you know how quickly it progresses. Rooibos tea works efficiently by slowing down the progression of diabetes. It lowers the glucose in the body with the help of a compound that it contains known as Aspalathin. Rooibos tea is also known for reducing weight and preventing obesity which is one of the major causes of Type 2 Diabetes. It also lowers the levels of bad cholesterol present in your body.
- Peppermint Tea Helps Calm Down Nerves:
People who have Type 2 Diabetes have high-stress levels; peppermint tea can help them out a lot since it is known for its calming effects. Stress can elevate your blood sugar levels and make diabetes even harder to control but peppermint tea deals with stress efficiently. Peppermint tea has a soothing smell that can help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and frustration.
- Hibiscus Tea Helps Lower Blood Pressure:
Diabetes increases your chances of developing heart diseases but hibiscus tea is known for providing heart health benefits. It works by lowering your blood pressure which automatically decreases your chances of developing any cardiovascular diseases. It also decreases your risk of stroke and heart attacks. The tea also tastes really refreshing and has great health benefits.
There are a lot of other types of Green tea as well, such as Ginger Tea, Chamomile Tea, Cinnamon Tea, or Lemon Balm Tea. You will be able to find the one you like the most after you have tried a few of them. Make sure you stick to plain teas if you have diabetes and do not ever include sugar or milk in them. Green Tea has so many health benefits that it is mandatory for you to include it in your diet. They can lower your blood pressure, relieve stress, prevent cardiovascular diseases, they are anticancer and they can reduce fats and lower the chances of obesity. If you can switch any other unhealthy beverage that you consume on a daily basis with any type of green tea then that will be great for your health. Do you know that one cup of Green Tea has only 2.4 calories and contains absolutely 0 grams of sugar and 0 carbohydrates as well which makes it one of the best healthy beverages that you can consume.