Medindia
Why Register as Premium Member if you have Diabetes? Click Here
Medindia » Health In Focus

Health Benefits of Tea in Diabetes Patients

by Dr. Simi Paknikar on November 14, 2015 at 3:42 PM
Listen to this News

Tea, especially green tea and white tea, has beneficial effects in diabetes patients.


Tea has a unique place in culture and social circles. It originated in the east in China, from where it spread to the western world. The British added milk and sugar to tea, which changed the way tea is consumed in several parts of the world.

‘Tea offers health benefits related to diabetes especially green and white tea. The tea helps the metabolic system function better. ’

The tea plant is scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. Tea shrubs give a luxuriant green color to cool hilly regions. Un-oxidized tea leaves are used to make green tea, partially oxidized leaves are used for oolong tea, while oxidized leaves are used to make black tea. Very immature tea leaves and buds are used to make white tea. Black tea has higher levels of caffeine as compared to green and white tea, and therefore its consumption may have to be restricted.

The health benefits of tea have been known from time immemorial. Majority of its benefits are due to its antioxidant content. Tea contains the polyphenol antioxidants epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate.

Tea has special benefits in diabetes patients. It helps to keep the levels of blood sugar under control, prevents complications and reduces the need for anti-diabetes medications. Though green tea is very popular for its health benefits, white tea is particularly beneficial for diabetes patients. It goes without mentioning that diabetes patients should drink sugarless tea.

Listed below are some of the reasons why tea is good for diabetes patients:

It is also important to note that while tea is beneficial in diabetes, it cannot replace diabetes medications. Therefore, continue taking your medications and enjoy your hot cup of tea as well.

References:

1. T. R. Dias, et al. (2013) White Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)): Antioxidant Properties and Beneficial Health Effects. Int J Food Sci Nutr Diet. 2(2), 19-26

2. Zahra Bahadoran, Parvin Mirmiran and Fereidoun Azizi. Dietary polyphenols as potential nutraceuticals in management of diabetes: a review. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders2013;12:43. DOI: 10.1186/2251-6581-12-43

3. Tachebele B, Abebe M, Birhan W, Addis Z. Health Benefits of Green Tea with Emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus. American Journal of Food and Nutrition 2.5 (2014): 85-91.

4. Ma Q, Chen D, Sun H, Yan N, Xu Y, Pan C. Regular Chinese Green Tea Consumption Is Protective for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Clinic-Based Case-Control Study. Journal of Diabetes Research Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 231570,

5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/231570

Source: Medindia

Cite this Article

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dr. Simi Paknikar. (2015, November 14). Health Benefits of Tea in Diabetes Patients. Medindia. Retrieved on Dec 11, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/health-benefits-of-tea-in-diabetes-patients-155485-1.htm.

  • MLA

    Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Health Benefits of Tea in Diabetes Patients". Medindia. Dec 11, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/health-benefits-of-tea-in-diabetes-patients-155485-1.htm>.

  • Chicago

    Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Health Benefits of Tea in Diabetes Patients". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/health-benefits-of-tea-in-diabetes-patients-155485-1.htm. (accessed Dec 11, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Dr. Simi Paknikar. 2015. Health Benefits of Tea in Diabetes Patients. Medindia, viewed Dec 11, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/health-benefits-of-tea-in-diabetes-patients-155485-1.htm.

View Non AMP Site | Back to top ↑