Tea and Diabetes
What is diabetes?
During the process of digestion, the carbohydrates from food are converted into sugar. The pancreas secrete insulin in order to promote the absorption of glucose from the sugar by the cells. Diabetes is caused when there is an imbalance in the amount of insulin secreted and the glucose levels in the body.Diabetes can be divided into two types - Type 1 diabetes wherein there is complete lack of production of insulin in the body, and Type 2 diabetes wherein the blood sugar / glucose levels are not controlled. In all diabetics, the sugar in the body is not metabolized as it ideally should be.
Tea and Diabetes
Green Tea is known to increase the body’s metabolism and promote weight-loss, thereby reducing obesity. Green Tea is also believed to sensitize the body’s cells, improving the metabolism of sugar.
The antioxidants present in tea lower stress and dilate the arteries, which in turn reduces cholesterol levels. Polyphenols are also known to help in regulating the glucose in the blood, ultimately controlling the occurrence of diabetes.
Black Tea is believed to help in the case of Type 2 diabetes, as it converts flavonoids into complex compounds.
However, an important point to be noted is that tea can only have positive effects if it is consumed without other additives such as sugar and milk. The addition of sugar or certain other sweeteners can have detrimental effects instead.
The positive effects of tea can only be harnessed if it is combined with a healthy diet and a good fitness regime. Our lifestyle choices have a large impact on the overall health and wellbeing of our bodies.