Tea and Diabetics by Megan Ashton
Overview
Oolong, black and green are the three types of tea produced by
the tea plant. Oolong is partially fermented, black is completely
fermented and green is not fermented. Tea contains polyphenols,
which are chemicals that have an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and
antioxidant effect in the body. All three teas may be beneficial
for the treatment of diabetes; however, green and oolong are
regarded as most medicinally beneficial.
Green Tea and Diabetes
According to Laura Shane-McWhorter in "The American Diabetes
Association: Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements," tea has
been found to be helpful for the prevention and treatment of
diabetes. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but its
medicinal effect is thought to come from polyphenols and other
ingredients found in tea that enhance insulin sensitivity. Recent
research suggests that drinking 6 or more cups of green tea but not
oolong tea, may lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Green tea may also help to prevent the development of Type 1, or
insulin-dependant diabetes and slow the progression of it once it
has developed. Green tea is thought to be helpful by encouraging
and regulating the production of insulin in the body.
Oolong Tea and Diabetes
Although oolong tea is not regarded as helpful for Type 1 or 2
diabetes prevention, one study found that individuals with Type 2
diabetes who drank 6 cups of oolong tea daily experienced a
decrease in glucose, or blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes
Association says that it may be especially beneficial as an adjunct
to oral hyperglycemic drugs, in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
In fact, a study done on individuals taking oral hyperglycemic
drugs with oolong tea, found a marked lowering of blood glucose
levels over participants who were taking the drugs with water
alone.
Tea, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
In addition to reducing blood glucose levels, tea may be
beneficial to diabetes sufferers by reducing cardiovascular disease
risk, which is the primary cause of death in diabetics. Studies
have found that drinking tea may help to lower total cholesterol
and low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol levels, while also
raising the healthy "HDL" cholesterol levels. Studies have also
found it to help prevent atherosclerosis -- a key precursor to
heart disease.
Additional Information
Many diabetics also struggle with their weight. Clinical studies
show green tea boosts the metabolism and helps burn fat. For the
best results, do not to add milk or soy milk to your tea, because
they have been found to decrease the positive effects that tea has
on insulin. McWhorter says that there is not enough scientific
evidence to substantiate the use of green tea supplements for the
treatment of diabetes. Instead it is recommended that you drink up
to 6 cups of tea daily, and reduce your intake if restlessness or
insomnia occurs.
References
- "The American Diabetes Association: Guide to Herbs and
Nutritional Supplements"; Laura Shane-McWhorter; 2009
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- American Diabetes Association: Antihyperglycemic Effect of
Oolong Tea in Type 2 Diabetes
Read more:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/385413-tea-and-diabetics/#ixzz1EioRt9J7
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