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Last updated on September 29th, 2023
Welcome to the delightful kingdom of tea and its probable benefits for diabetics. In this article, we will explore a range of teas that may offer positive effects on blood sugar levels and overall health. We have examined 100 types of tea including traditional favourite milk tea to lesser-known herbal varieties of anti diabetic tea to provide you with an answer to the topic ‘Best Tea for Diabetes Patients’. Join us on this journey to discover some of the best teas for diabetes management along with tea for diabetes patients to avoid. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s delve into the research and insights that can help you make informed choices for your health. Here is the content table:
Is Tea Good for Diabetics?
Tea for diabetes patients is a very popular daily beverage in India. The yearly consumption of tea amounts to 1.2 billion kg. But anti diabetic tea would be different from traditional milk tea and sugar. The best tea for diabetes patients would be non-sugar varieties. The list can include green tea for diabetes patients which can be a very promising beverage option.
Other varieties of herbal tea for diabetes patients can be akum tea, black tea, ginger tea etc. These teas are often low or zero-calorie drinks along with a good glycemic index. And these categories of herbal tea for diabetes patients may also provide a good amount of antioxidants.
These teas could help enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce diabetes-related complications. All types of tea for diabetes patients can potentially offer various healthful benefits when consumed as a portion of a well-balanced diet.
Antioxidant properties
Major varieties of tea for diabetes can be helpful as they contain a good amount of antioxidants. The antioxidants can be polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, etc. These compounds have demonstrated abilities to help decrease oxidative stress and help tackle inflammation in your body.
These properties can be very beneficial for diabetics. Oxidative stress plays a good part in the advancement of diabetes-related complications. Antioxidants support us in this regard by mitigating this effect.
Exceptional insulin functioning
Some studies have inferred that distinct compounds in tea, like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea for diabetes patients, might enhance insulin sensitivity and promote good pancreas health. Improvement in insulin sensitivity enables your body to utilise insulin more efficiently. Better insulin working will lead to better sugar control.
Cardiovascular benefits
Diabetes patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Drinking tea for diabetes patients, especially green tea and other herbal teas like hibiscus tea, may help lower B.P. (blood pressure) and boost heart health, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular ailments.
Weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetes management. Herbal tea like green tea for diabetes patients, has been linked to modest weight loss in some studies. While it’s not a magic solution, incorporating tea into a balanced diet and exercise plan may support weight management efforts.
Blood sugar regulation
Some research suggests that tea consumption might have a positive effect on post-meal blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to notice that these diabetes benefits can fluctuate among individuals. And tea for diabetes patients should never be considered a prescribed medicine substitute or alternative to dietary guidelines.
However, diabetes patients need to monitor their overall diet and consult their healthcare provider for personalised advice on tea consumption and its potential impact on blood sugar levels.
Read More: Are Sugar-Free Biscuits Safe for Diabetics?
Which Tea Is Good for Diabetes Patients?
Below is the list of teas that are really beneficial for diabetes patients. Tea for diabetes patients is a regular beverage that is often consumed multiple times a day. Therefore making small modifications in the quality of tea can really give large-scale benefits.
1. Green Tea
To answer, is green tea good for diabetics? Green tea for diabetes patients contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols, particularly EGCG. These compounds have shown some potential positive effects on sugar levels and the secretion of insulin and its sensitivity.
Green tea may enhance insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin more effectively, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest that green tea consumption can help lower fasting blood sugar levels and also HbA1C, which can be beneficial for diabetes management.
The antioxidants in green tea for diabetes patients defend cells against the cell damage inflicted by high blood sugar (B.P.) levels. Green tea for diabetes patients may also promote heart health by reducing the risk of heart complications often associated with diabetes. Avoid taking green tea with sugar to get its maximum benefits.
Read More: Unveiling Potential Benefits for Green Tea for Diabetes
2. Black Tea
Black tea for diabetes patients is another good choice because it’s low in calories and carbohydrates. This can be very effective for regulating sugar levels. Black tea is a tea variety that is more oxidised than herbal teas like green tea, oolong tea, etc.
It has a stronger flavour and darker colour, and it is the most common type of tea consumed worldwide. Black tea contains antioxidants like arubigins, theaflavins, etc. and these have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Black tea for diabetes patients promotes heart health and reduces the risk of certain diseases. A 2019 review paper revealed drinking black tea for diabetes patients, and non-diabetics is also good as it deters the development of diabetes and its related issues.
Black tea for diabetes patients is also beneficial due to its ability to interfere with the carbs absorption rate in our body. This reduces the probability of sugar spikes. Some studies have shown black tea for diabetes patients can help them enhance the pancreas’s secretion of insulin.
3. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea for diabetes patients is another good tea option. It has been researched that dalcheeni chai or cinnamon tea has the potential to stimulate pancreatic enzyme insulin and improve its sensitivity.
It also helps regulate sugar levels, which is another benefit of cinnamon tea for diabetes patients. A 2003 study published in ‘Diabetes Care Journal’ says cinnamon improves the glucose and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetics.
Cinnamon tea for diabetes patients is beneficial as it contains antioxidants. The antioxidants can help tackle oxidative stress and also bring down inflammation.
Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This can be beneficial for heart health, particularly for diabetics who may have an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
Cinnamon tea for diabetes patients may aid in weight management by enhancing metabolism and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can be helpful for diabetics trying to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea for diabetes patients is another tea variant that can be included in their routine. It is a herbal tea variety that is prepared from dried chamomile plant flowers. This herbal tea for diabetes patients can be taken as a post-dinner beverage due to its calming and soothing properties. Here are some points to consider regarding chamomile tea for diabetes:
Chamomile tea for diabetes patients is naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a suitable option for those who prefer to avoid caffeine or have sensitivities to it.
Chamomile tea is very low in calories and carbohydrates, making it unlikely to have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
Some studies indicate that chamomile tea for diabetes patients may have anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidant properties of chamomile flowers are beneficial for diabetics’ overall health. It may also help you sleep better which does indirectly participate in better diabetes management.
While chamomile tea is unlikely to directly impact blood sugar levels. Therefore it’s still essential to be mindful of any potential additives like honey or sugar in tea that might be used to sweeten it.
5. Ginger Tea
A sip of ginger tea in the morning might give a diabetic patient much more benefits than mere refreshments. Ginger tea for diabetes is a great addition to a diabetic diet. A study by ‘The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry’ reported that ginger for diabetes could enhance insulin function and its sensitivity as it had anti-diabetic effects on rats.
Another study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition indicated that ginger supplementation may lead to improvements in blood glucose levels. Therefore ginger tea for diabetes insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.
Regular consumption of ginger tea can also be an elixir for your throat as well as your digestive system. Ginger tea for diabetes patients positively affects glycemic profile. Ginger behaves like carbon metabolism enzymes improving body metabolism.
6. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, the red tangy beverage, is a decent drink that diabetics can hop on to. This herbal tea for diabetes patients is a caffeine-free beverage as it is composed of the dry petals of hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus tea for diabetes patients can give many health benefits.
Several studies conclude that hibiscus tea may have a favourable impact on blood sugar management. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009 found that hibiscus extract reduced fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. This makes it one of the best tea to lower blood sugar.
Another study in the Journal of Human Hypertension in 2010 reported a decrease in haemoglobin A1c levels (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) in diabetic patients who consumed hibiscus tea.
However, diabetics need to exercise caution and monitor their blood sugar levels when consuming hibiscus tea, as individual responses can differ.
Moreover, some bottled herbal tea types, including hibiscus tea products, can have added sugars. Therefore it’s important to prefer unsweetened versions to prevent needless sugar from going into your body.
7. Haldi Tea or Turmeric Tea
Haldi, the star boy of Indian house kitchens, can also be used in this kind of tea. Turmeric tea or Haldi tea for diabetes patients can provide a good lot of benefits. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Several studies have suggested that turmeric may help improve sugar levels and reduce complications associated with diabetes. For example, a study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2012 found that curcumin supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. This makes it a good anti diabetic tea.
Another study in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2014 demonstrated that curcumin supplementation significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
8. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another good tea option available for diabetes patients. Peppermint is a natural suppressant and positively affects HbA1C. Peppermint tea for diabetes patients can help soothe indigestion and reduce bloating.
This tea relaxes the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by calming the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Good gut health is a blessing for a diabetic, so diabetics can include this anti diabetic tea in their diet.
The menthol in peppermint tea for diabetes patients can act as a decongestant. And may help ease nasal congestion and improve breathing.
Read More: Top 10 Home Remedies For Diabetes
What Tea to Avoid for Diabetes Patients?
Despite these potential diabetes benefits, it’s crucial for diabetes patients to approach tea consumption with caution:
Caffeine content
Some teas, like black tea and certain bottled herbal tea, contain caffeine, which can affect blood sugar levels. Moderation is key, as excessive caffeine intake may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. And also interfere with sleep, which can impact diabetes management.
Added sugars
Avoid sweetened tea beverages or adding excessive sugar in tea, as this can spike blood sugar levels and negate any potential diabetes benefits. Opt for plain or unsweetened teas whenever possible.
Individual responses
People with diabetes can respond differently to various foods and beverages, including tea. Monitoring sugar levels and consulting with your doctor is crucial to personalise tea consumption based on individual health needs. It is best to avoid sugar in tea to get maximum diabetes benefits from the tea you choose.
Read More: Drinks and Foods to Avoid to Keep Your Diabetes in Control
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the best tea for diabetes patients, it’s important to focus on varieties of no-sugar teas. Herbal teas for diabetes patients, such as green tea, black tea, chamomile tea, cinnamon tea and others mentioned above, have shown promise in helping manage sugar levels and improving insulin functioning and sensitivity.
However, it’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to consult their doctor before making any significant changes to their diet, including incorporating new types of tea. Moderation is important, and it’s recommended to monitor how tea consumption affects an individual’s sugar levels.
As part of an overall diabetes management plan, incorporating suitable anti diabetic teas into a balanced diet can potentially provide additional health benefits.
FAQs:
What Morning Drink Is Bad For Diabetes?
When dealing with diabetes, any sugar drink, even healthy green tea with sugar is bad for diabetes. Sugary drinks like sodas, cold drinks, and high-calorie beverages are bad for diabetes patients. Try non-sugary beverages like herbal teas, lemon water, etc.
Can You Drink Chamomile Tea With High Blood Pressure?
Chamomile tea for diabetes patients is a great beverage. Yes, you can drink chamomile tea if you have high blood pressure as there are studies indicating blood pressure relaxing abilities of the drink. Chamomile tea relaxes your body and you can include this herbal tea in your daily diet.
Does Milk Tea Increase Blood Sugar?
Yes, milk tea increases blood sugar. There are multiple reasons behind it. The glycemic index of milk tea is higher compared to other anti diabetic teas. Milk contains IGF molecules (Insulin-like growth factors) which increase sugar levels deterring insulin effectiveness. Milk tea and sugar are another dangerous combo for diabetes so avoid it completely.
What Is The Best Time To Drink Green Tea For Diabetes Patients?
The best time to drink green tea for diabetes patients is early morning. Avoid drinking green tea with sugar at all costs. You can even add drops of lemon to make it taste better. During the making of green tea don’t steep for above 2 minutes to avoid making it bitter.
How Much Tea Can a Diabetes Patient Drink in a Day?
There is no fixed quantity of tea permissible for diabetes patients. However, generally, two cups of any of the above herbal tea for diabetes patients can be included in their diet. Each of the mentioned anti diabetic teas has its benefits and you can even try multiple teas to figure out what suits you well.
Disclaimer
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