Is Green Tea Good For Diabetics? (Get The Facts)

I do not have diabetes myself.

But I have many friends and family members who do.

And I see how they struggle to know what they can and can’t eat or drink.

Even things that are healthy overall can be off limits to diabetics.

Is green tea good for diabetics or is it another healthy thing people with diabetes need to avoid?

That’s what we are going to find out today. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about green tea and diabetes.

 

Is Green Tea Good For Diabetics?

Yes, green tea can be a healthy beverage choice for diabetics. Many experts recommend it as a part of a healthy diabetic diet plan.

Some preliminary studies have shown that green improves insulin sensitivity and increases the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle cells. This reduces blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, green tea can be used as a replacement for sugary beverages to prevent type-2 diabetes.

 

7 Reasons Green Tea Is Good For Diabetics

Here are the main reasons green tea is good for people with diabetes.

 

Recommended By Experts

Many experts recommend green tea along with a healthy eating plan, such as the Mediterranean diet, to not only manage diabetes, but also prevent type 2 diabetes.

 

Helps Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Some preliminary studies have shown that green tea could help the body use insulin more effectively, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels.

 

Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels

More research is needed, but preliminary studies have shown that green tea helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle cells.

 

Healthier Than Sugary And Caffeinated Drinks

Green tea is a healthier choice than most sugary and caffeine-rich beverages. It is best consumed without milk and sugar, since both of these ingredients are high in fat and carbs and bad for diabetics.

Also, green tea contains much less caffeine than black coffee and black tea, making it a great choice for people sensitive to caffeine.

 

Aids In Weight Management

Drinking green tea regularly can aid in weight control, which is important for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

 

Rich in Antioxidants

Studies show that antioxidants have protective benefits for diabetes and related complications. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and can help protect the cells from the damage caused by high blood sugar levels.

 

Could Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease

Heart-related issues are a common side effect of diabetes. Green tea could lower this risk considerably.

 

Can Diabetics Drink Green Tea Every Day?

Yes, diabetics can drink green tea every day. After checking with your healthcare professional first, of course.

Incorporating this beverage along with a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help diabetics greatly improve their quality of life. Green tea can help them manage their blood sugar levels and improve their insulin sensitivity.

It is important that you drink green tea plain, without sugar (including honey) or milk. Also, watch out for any reactions and how your body responds to green tea, since everyone is different.

The best part about green tea is that it is convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. It is available in the form of tea bags, which makes it easy to make. That said, loose leaf tea is a lot more flavorful than most tea bags.

 

How Long Does It Take for Green Tea To Reduce Blood Sugar?

Studies have shown that taking green tea extracts for around four weeks, or about 30 days, could potentially lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. However, the time it takes for green tea to impact blood sugar can vary from individual to individual.

Some people might see changes sooner, while for others, it could take a bit longer. It is important to remember that individual responses to green tea can differ.

It is also important to be consistent in drinking green tea and to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise regime. As always, consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure green tea is safe and effective for you.

 

How To Make Green Tea For Diabetics

You can use whole green tea leaves or green tea bags to make green tea for diabetics. Always use high-quality, organic green tea that is free from synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

The recipe below contains cinnamon, because this spice is known to lower blood sugar levels.

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon organic green tea leaves
• ¼ teaspoon powdered organic cinnamon.

 

Steps

• Heat water in a saucepan until it is boiling
• Turn off the heat and add the tea leaves
• Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes (steep longer if you want stronger tea)
• Strain
• Add the cinnamon powder to the tea
• Stir and enjoy

 

When Is The Best Time For Diabetics To Drink Green Tea?

The best time to drink green tea if you are diabetic is as a mid-morning drink between breakfast and lunch. You can have your green tea alongside a light snack (like almonds or diabetes-friendly wholegrain crackers). This can help regulate blood sugar and also give you a boost of energy.

You can also have green tea about 30 minutes after eating your lunch. This is a good beverage for those who need an afternoon pick-up without too much caffeine. It is best to split your intake of green tea throughout the day instead of having it all in one go.

Avoid drinking green tea on an empty stomach, because some people experience nausea or an upset stomach when they do so.

 

Can Type-2 Diabetics Drink Green Tea?

Yes, green tea offers a multitude of benefits to people with type-2 diabetes. First, drinking green tea can help protect the cells from oxidative stress and damage, since it is packed with antioxidants.

Second, the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) compound in green tea stimulates the uptake of glucose in the skeletal muscle cells. This can reduce blood sugar levels.

Multiple studies have also shown that green tea can significantly lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels – the latter being a long-term blood sugar control marker.

The studies also recommend that people with type-2 diabetes drink at least 3 to 4 cups of green tea every day to see these benefits.

 

Which Tea Is Best For Diabetics?

In addition to green tea, diabetics can drink the following teas:

• Black tea: Drinking black tea regularly could reduce blood glucose levels. Also, the incidence of type-2 diabetes is significantly lower in black tea drinkers.
• Chamomile tea: Diabetes is an inflammatory condition and drinking chamomile tea can lower inflammation and also help you sleep better.
• Ginger tea: Studies have shown that diabetics who took ginger extracts for three months or longer greatly improved their glycemic control.
• Hibiscus tea: Regular consumption of hibiscus tea could reduce inflammation and also lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

 

Green Tea For Diabetes: Final Thoughts

Green tea can be a beneficial addition to the diet of people with diabetes. Many medical professionals recommend green tea as part of a healthy eating plan and it has shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels.

Additionally, its antioxidant properties and the potential to aid in weight management make it a valuable choice for diabetes management. However, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes, and to closely monitor your body’s response.

Overall, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, green tea can be good for diabetics. It can contribute to better blood sugar management and overall well-being for people with diabetes.