We’ve known for years that tea is good for you. In fact, it’s often known as a “superdrink”. But did you know that tea offers specific benefits for people with diabetes (diabeteas)?
Unfortunately for those of us who like a milky brew, the health benefits only come from black or green tea. No sugar, no milk, no herbal tea.
We’ve looked at six benefits of drinking tea for people with diabetes.
1. Tea improves insulin sensitivity…
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which occurs when we stop being sensitive to insulin. Not being sensitive to insulin means the pancreas has to produce more and more, which can destroy insulin-producing cells over time.
Several studies have indicated that tea improves insulin sensitivity (sensitivitea?) – as long as you don’t add milk.
2. …Lowers blood pressure…
High blood pressure affects eight out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes, and three out of 10 people with type 1 diabetes. Black or green tea helps you to keep healthy blood pressure levels.
3. …Reduces the risk of heart disease…
Heart disease is one of the most common diabetic complications. It is the cause of death for 80 per cent of people with diabetes. Tea has a number of heart health benefits.
4. …Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes…
For those of us at risk of type 2 diabetes, three to five cups of black tea per day helps stop type 2 diabetes from developing.
5. …Lowers the risk of cancer…
Diabetes is linked to a higher risk of certain kinds of cancer. These include pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and endometrial cancer. Research suggests that tea could reduce these risks.
6. …And lowers stress levels.
Tea contains theanine, an amino acid that controls blood pressure levels and lowers stress. Stress hormones like cortisol cause blood glucose levels to rise.
