Is Green Tea Good for Diabetes ?? Does It Reduce Blood Sugar?
Green tea is consumed all over the world by many for its amazing health benefits, and in diabetes too, green tea seems to have fit the bill!Green tea, procured from the Camellia Sinensis plant, is considered to have originated in China.
It is a part of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Chinese and the southeast Asian populations.
In this article, we will explore whether green tea is good for diabetes, can it help in reducing blood sugar levels and managing diabetes.
Let Us First Have a Look at the Nutritional Values. Following are the nutritional values for green tea for a serving size of 100 gm.
| Calories | 1 |
| Calories from Fat | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0 grams |
| Saturated | 0 grams |
| Polyunsaturated | 0 grams |
| Monounsaturated | 0 grams |
| Cholesterol | 0 grams |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0 milligrams |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.07 grams |
| Sugars | 0.13 grams |
| Protein | 0.06 grams |
| Vitamins and Minerals | |
| Vitamin A | 0 ug |
| Vitamin B | 6 mg |
| Vitamin B | 12 ug |
| Vitamin C | 7.01 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 0 ug |
| Iron | 0 mg |
| Magnesium | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 0.01 mg |
| Potassium | 14 mg |
| Sodium | 7 mg |
Other components are catechins (12%–15%), caffeine (0.01%–0.02%), saponins, and suc
Advantages of Green Tea For Diabetes
⦁ Green tea improves metabolism and aids in weight loss, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Studies concluded that people consuming green tea were 33% less vulnerable to develop diabetes.
⦁ It reduces hunger by increasing satiety, so you end up eating less.
⦁ The polyphenols control oxidative stress, reduce blood pressure, reduce clotting and reduce cholesterol too, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease associated with diabetes.
⦁ The catechins (anti-oxidants) increase insulin sensitivity, thereby decreasing insulin resistance by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates.
⦁ It may also control cellular damage, lower inflammation, improve the utilization of glucose by skeletal muscle cells; thus, help reduce blood glucose levels.
How to Consume Green Tea For Diabetes?
The best way to consume green tea is by brewing it in hot water and allowing it to steep for 2–3 minutes. There are other alternatives of cold brewing or adding to a smoothie or yogurts and ice creams.
Moderate amounts of tea, i.e., 2–3 cups per day are ideal to get the maximum benefits. Prefer unsweetened tea unless you depend on herbal sweeteners like stevia.
Best Time To Consume Green Tea
The best time to consume green tea would be on an empty stomach unless suffering from an upset stomach or heartburn. Having before or with meals may prove advantageous as it improves satiety and reduces hunger, thereby lowering food intake but interfering with the uptake of antioxidants and also inhibiting iron absorption.
Risk Factors of Green Tea Consumption
Green tea may cause stomach upset and irritation especially if consumed on an empty stomach. In excessive amounts, the caffeine may cause headaches, irritability, sleep issues, nausea, loose stools, palpitations, tremors, heartburn, confusion, and even fainting. It should be consumed in moderate amounts, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is known to have the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidative
- Antiarthritic
- Antiviral
- Nerve-protective
- Antiangiogenic
- Hypo-cholesterolaemic
Research also indicates its efficacy in the prevention of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, management of cancers, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, stress, sleep disorders, etc.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- If you are a diabetic or prone to it, green tea is a great add-on to your daily food chart.
- Being zero in calories, it is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks and beverages.
- It recharges the body and also calms the mind.
- It helps in improving metabolism, reduces insulin resistance, thereby controlling blood sugar levels and cellular damage in diabetic people.
Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be hard when you have the right information. These blogs cover everything you need to know—from understanding symptoms to tips on healthy eating and managing your condition. Explore these articles to stay informed and take control of your diabetes care!
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Friendly Asked Questions
Is Green Tea Good for Diabetes?
Yes, research showed lower levels of fasting blood sugars and Hba1c in diabetics who regularly consume green tea and even improved their general well-being.
What is the Best Tea for Diabetics?
Green tea is inarguably the best tea option for diabetics followed by black tea or other herbal teas.
How Many Times a Day can a Diabetic Drink Green Tea?
Moderate amounts of green tea, i.e3–4 cups are ideal and beneficial for diabetics.
Does Green Tea Lower or Raise Insulin?
Green tea has no direct effect on insulin levels but lowers the insulin resistance present in the body, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.
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