An Iranian study finds that drinking three cups of camomile tea a day could improve control of blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences aimed to investigate how the effects of camomile tea would affect glycemic control and antioxidant levels in type 2 subjects. Antioxidants are chemicals that protect or delay against cell damage.
64 participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited, all of whom were aged between 30 and 60. They consumed camomile tea three times per day immediately after meals for eight weeks. A control group also followed this routine, but they drank water instead.
The camomile tea group had significantly reduced HbA1c and serum insulin levels, as well as significantly increased total antioxidant capacity compared to those in the control group.
The researchers concluded that camomile tea could be useful in reducing diabetes risk factors. They added: “Short-term intake of chamomile tea has beneficial effects on glycemic control and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes.”
However, the researchers noted that a larger sample population and a longer intervention period would be necessary in order to demonstrate significant clinical improvements.
This study was published in the journal Nutrition.
