Study suggests that black tea may help prevent diabetes

A comparative study run by a group of researchers on over 50 countries has shown that the countries where people drink a lot of black tea tend to show lower rates of diabetes II. This suggests that black tea may play a role in lowering the diabetes risk factors. Other types of drinks like green and white teas have also shown to have similar effects. The studies are not conclusive but they open the door for more research into the subject of how to prevent diabetes.

A person with diabetes has his/her blood sugar level going higher than normal. In the case of diabetes II the cells of the person affected tend to have a resistance against the effect of insulin. Insulin been the substance that plays a role in the proper absorption of sugar in the cell.

Diabetes type II is the most common type averaging 90% of all the cases. Yet in recent years its rates have skyrocketed all over the world. It is believed that by 2030 nine hundred million will have diabetes or at least will be at high risk of developing it.

One of the researchers involved in the data analysis, Ariel Beresniak MD, PhD stated that the study shows a consistent link between the low occurrence of diabetes II and drinking of black tea. That said they will need further research to clearly prove a cause and effect relationship between black tea and diabetes II.

Research on Green tea

Green and white tea are known to contain a flavonoid compound referred to as catechins. These antioxidants are believed to play a role in the absorption of glucose in the blood. In other words flavonoid compounds may have a reverse effect on the insulin resistance of the cell. This may explain why green and white tea consumers are at lower risk of developing diabetes II.

Black tea is actually produced by the fermentation of tea leaves. The fermentation goes further than in the case of green tea. The flavonoid compounds are turned through this process into more complex compounds called theaflavins and thearubigins. Beresniak believes that if science is able to prove the role of black tea in preventing diabetes II, the fermentation will have to do with something.

There is no hope for a drug yet though

You should not have high expectation anyway. The study has not concluded that black tea is a remedy for diabetes. If you are used to drinking black tea, you can keep the habit since it is good for your overall health. Just keep in mind that it is still not guarantee that you won’t get diabetes. So in combination with drinking tea you still need to practice proper dietary habit. You still need to avoid food rich in refined sugar. Fruits and vegetables are also known to contain antioxidants just as black and green tea. You should make it a habit to eat fruits. Don’t forget to exercise. Doctors advise 30 minutes of exercise, at least 3 times a week. You should do fine if you take good care of yourself.