Green Tea and Diabetes

Ever heard of diabetes and its frightening effects? Diabetes is one of the leading human killers nowadays. Over 20 million people suffer from diabetes, and nearly one third of them are not aware of it. Many try out different medication including green tea consumption. But could the benefits of green tea help fight diabetes away? Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce nor use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar and other food into energy. Even doctors do not really know the cause of diabetes, but we do know that people who are obese and without regular exercise are at a much greater risk of developing Type II diabetes.

Complications from diabetes include blindness, cataracts, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and foot and skin problems. Once you have developed the disease, you must simply work to control your blood sugar levels for the rest of your life. Research that has been performed in the last few years came up with a discovery of the benefits of green tea including the natural regulation of blood sugar levels. Green tea is full of anti-oxidants that fight the free radicals our body creates each day during the digestive process, thus preventing certain diseases to develop.

One study reported by the UK Tea Council found a direct relationship between anti-oxidant activity in the body and the consumption of green tea. Because of the health benefits of green tea, as much as a 24% decrease in the activity of erythrocyte membranes that contribute to heart disease were noted. This is very important because 3 of 5 diabetics will suffer a heart attack.Other studies have shown that tea had a significant effect on the blood glucose levels of diabetic mice. When the mice were given tea, their blood sugar levels stayed consistent and did not rise above normal levels. Another study showed that green tea consumption of less than 5 cups per day may have the power to reduce blood sugar levels enough to reduce the complications of diabetes.

There are still more studies that need to be conducted before we fully understand what green tea can do for diabetic people and how it exactly works. Although that is the case, there is no denying that the benefits of green tea can really help in controlling diabetes. You can add tea to your diet because it is healthy and has no side effects. So, whether your prefer your green tea to be hot or cold, with milk or without, start drinking it today. Let the benefits of green tea helps you fight diabetes away!