If you have diabetes or are looking for simple ways to lower your risk for diabetes, consider drinking black tea. Hot or cold, black tea is one of the best teas for diabetes.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. In fact, it is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water. Which may come as a surprise to many Americans who tend to opt for coffee and soda over tea.
Teas have been around for nearly 5,000 years and full of health benefits; it’s no wonder that many still opt for a cup. In my studies of nutrition, I’ve found that ancestral foods (and drinks) often continue to be the most nutritious foods for us even today.
Black Tea Benefits
In a study by the British Medical Journal, researchers looked at black tea consumption in 50 different countries. They found that those who drank a high amount of black tea had a lower rate of diabetes.
Black tea has a special fermentation process in which green tea oxidizes to become black tea. During the fermentation process, black tea develops complex flavonoids while only simple flavonoids are found in green tea. Based on other research it is believed that the flavonoids may help to protect and regenerate beta cells in the pancreas that can be depleted by type 2 diabetes. More research is still needed though as there have been mixed findings overall as to why black tea is one of the best teas for diabetes.
Tea and Insulin Activity
Another study found that drinking black tea, as well as green and oolong, may also increase insulin activity. The study also found that adding lemon had no effect on insulin-enhancing activity. However adding milk to the tea, decreased the insulin-enhancing activity.
Should you Add Sweeteners to your tea?
Other studies have shown there to be an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in those who consume sugar-sweetened beverages. If you are drinking tea for improving your health, it’s best to keep your tea unsweetened. Instead of sweetener, opt for aroma black teas that have hints of spices and flowers, adding in a squeeze of lemon, or opting for adding in one of these 3 healing spices for diabetes that can be steeped right in with your tea!
Tips for Finding Delicious Tea
I absolutely love tea especially aroma teas with hints of citrus, ginger, and flowers. I find sipping on tea throughout the day is a great way to stay hydrated. I also find tea to be comforting, like a snuggly blanket, which helps keep me calmer throughout the day.
If the teas you find at the supermarket don’t typically interest you, look for some specialty tea shops. Often a tea shop will be able to provide some guidance as to what teas you may like best based on flavors and smells you prefer. Some tea shops also provide free samples, which can also help guide your taste buds.
I actually fell in love with tea by finding a local shop with a diverse selection of high-quality flavorful teas to smell and sample. I’ve been having a love affair with tea ever since and bonus it helped me quit drinking soda for good!
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Karla Kueber is a Certified Evidence Based EFT Practioner and Health Coach, with a double Masters Degree in Education. She works with people to overcome emotional eating, curb cravings, and overcome resistance to eating new healthy foods. You can learn more about coaching with her here.