Tea and Diabetes: A Daily Battle
Diet is a key factor for treating diabetes. Part of the diet is what you drink. And drink with added sugar should be avoided, but did you know tea is also highly recommended for anyone with diabetes?
Green tea and diabetes
A growing body of research shows how drinking green tea can help people prevent the onset of diabetes. But green tea is also good if you are already diagnosed with diabetes. The polyphenols in green tea help reduce oxidative stress and widens the arteries, decreasing blood pressure, prevents clotting and reduces cholesterol. All these activities reduce the risk of heart disease, which is elevated in people with diabetes.
Lower blood pressure and weight loss, (which green tea also helps) increases insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. Green tea contains high levels of catechins (a type of antioxidant) that helps reduce the effects of insulin resistance by decreasing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
Green tea alone will not control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, it needs to be complemented with a balanced diet that's low in added sugars, simple carbs and saturated fat. Follow up with monitoring your numbers carefully to track progress.
Can drinking tea prevent diabetes?
Drinking green tea may also decrease the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that those drinking green tea significantly less likely to develop this form of diabetes. Green tea has other benefits including a calming effect due to it containing L-theanine. It helps reduce anxiety and stress and prevents stress-related increases in blood pressure.
Green tea and diabetes - how much should you drink?
Drinking moderate amounts of green tea daily is a good start, 3-5 cups is usually the sweet spot to get the maximum benefits. Never sweeten your green tea. Use alternative sweeteners as a last resort, stevia being the preferred variety. Green tea does contain a small amount of caffeine, around 25mg, so be sure log your reaction from drinking it. Luckily, you can get decaf green tea as well. You should avoid bagged tea as well, since the potency and quality is lower than loose tea.
MATCHA GREEN TEA AND DIABETES - ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE
Matcha
Matcha is a form of green tea that is dissolved in water. This means you are drinking the tea leaf, not just the infusion. Plus it contains soluble fiber which is also beneficial for those with diabetes.
"As a health coach, I keep my immunity up and blood pressure down with a nutrient-dense diet, exercise, good sleep hygiene, and meditation. I have another secret.. one cup of matcha first thing in the morning and three cups of hibiscus tea during the rest of the day. These provide a magic elixir that really helps shave points off of the blood pressure monitor reading." -Cheryl
Other Tea Recommendations
Many herbal teas offer benefits and nearly all of them are caffeine free. Here are some that are noteworthy:
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is also worth a look. There are numerous studies linking hibiscus with lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. Plus it is high in anti-oxidants. You can try hibiscus by itself, also many fruit tisanes include hibiscus.
Cinnamon Tea
There is some evidence that cinnamon might help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. You will want to stick with herbals that contain good amounts of cinnamon, not simply a cinnamon flavored tea.
Greek Mountain Tea
This unique herb grows in the Mediterranean region. One study has found that Greek mountain tea is as potent as green tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative stress. Although it has a lower concentrations, the effects ere similar due to higher bio-availability.
Hemp Teas for diabetes
According to a case report studying the use of hemp in type 2 diabetes, the modulation of active receptors in hemp has the possibility to reduce body weight and A1C in people with diabetes.
Soul Tonic
Sooth the soul with this herbal, caffeine free hemp tea blend of chamomile, mint, hibiscus and valerian root. Soul Tonic is a perfect way to end the day in peace and harmony.
Thunderbird Chai
Thunderbird Chai includes authentic seasonal Malabar spices, and black tea are combined with Chaga mushroom and hemp leaves. Paired with honey and milk, this Chai is a real winner.
Snake Charmer
This Magic Leaf hemp tea is swimming with cinnamon, licorice root, coriander, fennel & ginger. A dash of milk and a little honey won't hurt either.
How To Purchase
Luckily, you've come to the right place. We've added some of our recommendations above. Any green tea, flavored or unflavored and matcha would be a good starting point.
