Diabetes is an unfortunate medical condition that demands focused care throughout the day. For people living with diabetes, keeping up with insulin doses, always watching what you eat, and keeping a close eye on blood sugar levels around the clock can be burdensome.
However, type-2 diabetes is one type of diabetes that is often caused due to lifestyle factors, one of which is a careless diet. This means it can be prevented in many cases through dietary tweaks, one of which can be including dark tea in your daily diet. In a study titled 'A daily dark brew could reduce diabetes risk,' researchers from the University Of Adelaide (AU) presented how including dark tea in your daily diet reduces blood sugar levels and thus, prevents the risk of type-2 Diabetes.
What Is Dark Tea?
Dark tea is a category of tea that has been aged through a fermentation process, which gives it its characteristic dark colour and earthy flavour. Typically made from large-leaf tea varieties, fermenting dark tea usually spans several months to decades. This unique processing method is what sets it apart and contributes to its health benefits.
Commenting on the health benefits of dark tea, Prof Tongzhi Wu, co-lead author of the AU study said, “The substantial health benefits of tea, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, have been reported in several studies over recent years."
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How Does Dark Tea Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?
As per the AU study, people who drank dark tea every day showed a 53% lower risk for prediabetes and a 47% lower risk of type-2 diabetes.
"Our findings hint at the protective effects of habitual tea drinking on blood sugar management via increased glucose excretion in urine, improved insulin resistance and thus better control of blood sugar. These benefits were most pronounced among daily dark tea drinkers," shared Prof Wu. Here's how dark tea works its magic:
- Rich In Antioxidants: Dark tea is rich in potent antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with diabetes risk. Antioxidants also support overall health by protecting cells from damage.
- Regulating Blood Sugar: Dark tea has been found to have a positive impact on blood sugar levels. Certain compounds in dark tea may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, making it easier for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Weight Management: Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Dark tea may aid in weight management by promoting the breakdown of fats and improving metabolism. By maintaining a healthy weight, individuals can reduce their diabetes risk.
- Gut Health: The fermentation process of dark tea encourages the growth of beneficial probiotics in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome also improves metabolic health, including better blood sugar control.
- Lowering Cholesterol: Dark tea is also heart-friendly as it reduces the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Lower cholesterol levels contribute to better cardiovascular health and may indirectly lower the risk of diabetes complications as well.
Incorporating Dark Tea Into Your Routine
If you're interested in reaping the potential benefits of dark tea for diabetes prevention, here are some tips:
- Opt for well-processed, good-quality, authentic dark tea varieties from trusted sources.
- Like all foods and beverages, moderation is crucial. Enjoying a cup or two of dark tea daily as part of a balanced diet is a sensible approach.
- If you have diabetes or are at risk, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on including dark tea in your diabetes management plan.
Similar to the AU study, the benefits of dark tea for blood sugar control have long been discussed and approved by certified nutrition experts. Dark tea, with its unique fermentation process and rich antioxidant content, holds promise as a natural way to reduce the risk of diabetes. While it's not a standalone solution, adding dark tea to a balanced and healthy lifestyle may contribute to better blood sugar control and overall well-being.