Yes.. You heard it right! Green tea can be an elixir for the people who are suffering from diabetes.
Diet and lifestyle play a pivotal role in managing this condition.
Green tea is one such dietary element that can stimulate the production of insulin if you have type 1 diabetes, and, compounds like polyphenols and EGCG catechins – which can do wonders for type 2 diabetic patients.
Below are 5 reason why green tea is beneficial for diabetic patients:
1. It increases insulin production in the body
If the individual has type 1 diabetes, it gets difficult for the body to produce insulin. Some studies show that green tea could stimulate your body to produce the insulin, which then will control your sugar levels and transform the nutrients from the food that you just ate into energy. Besides, green tea will also help your body to maximise the functions of the pancreas, which is important to produce insulin. Some studies also suggest that green tea could protect the pancreatic beta cells from damages.
2. It can help with hyperglycemia
High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) alongside glucose intolerance is the main reason why diabetes can occur to people. Hyperglycemia, if we leave it untreated, will release the oxidative stress, which will lead to some problems, such as diabetic retinopathy. This diabetic retinopathy will lead to blindness and deafness if you’re not treating it as soon as possible.
3. EGCG catechins reduce excess fat from the body
Green tea contains certain types of flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG catechins), which help in burning body fat and increases the fat oxidation. Excess fat in the body often leads to diabetes. EGCG catechins also improve tolerance against glucose, thereby protecting the individual from developing diabetes type 1. Also, EGCG catechins protect you from diabetes type 2.
4. It stimulates metabolism
Uncontrollable rise of blood sugar levels leads to diabetes. By consuming green tea, the production of adrenaline hormone that can cause the rise in blood sugar levels will be reduced. Green tea is widely known for its ability to stimulate metabolism, as well as improve your immune system, which means that there is more energy and blood for use by the brain. This relaxing condition will prevent you from any symptoms associated with stress, depression, or anxiety. Lowered levels of stress will be significant for people who have diabetes.
5. Polyphenols in green tea have anti-diabetic properties
Polyphenols in a green tea are antioxidants which have anti-diabetic properties. These properties will inhibit oxidative stress and increase glucose tolerance. Thus, the polyphenols in green tea can help you to control diabetes.
Health experts recommend that people who have diabetes need to consume at least four cups of green tea a day. It should be consumed without adding sugar, milk or cream. The preferable time to take this beverage is morning.
