Is green tea good for diabetics? 🤔
This is a question we are sometimes asked, so we thought we’d dedicate an entire article to it! In this article, we will cover all things related to green tea diabetes.
We will start with a brief overview of how green tea and diabetes interact with one another, and then we will go through the list of benefits of green tea for diabetes. Finally, we’ll discuss is green tea good for type 2 diabetes and the best time to drink green tea for diabetes.
Let’s get started! 👨⚕️
Is green tea good for diabetics?
When people are asking is green tea good for diabetics, they are mostly wondering can diabetics drink green tea.
The answer is yes! 🎉
Diabetics can drink green tea.
As we will explore in the next section, among the benefits of green tea for diabetes is the improvement of insulin sensitivity.
So what are the benefits of drinking green tea for diabetics? 🤨
Benefits of green tea for diabetes
Now that we have answered the question is green tea good for diabetics, let’s talk about the benefits of green tea for diabetes.
Green tea can have all sorts of benefits, helping with everything from weight loss, to flu prevention but for this article, we are going to focus on the green tea diabetes benefits.
If you are more interested in the broad spectrum of benefits that green tea can have, you may want to read this article 👉 Is green tea good for you? A Tea Expert Weighs in
Insulin Sensitivity Improvement
Insulin sensitivity refers to how effectively the body's cells respond to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. As we have spent some time learning about green tea and diabetes, you’ll know that this is a pathway that is particularly important.
Some studies suggest that green tea consumption may enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to take up glucose more efficiently. Improved insulin sensitivity can contribute to better blood sugar control. If these studies are accurate, this would prove to be a big benefit of green tea for diabetes.
Glucose Metabolism Enhancement
Green tea has been associated with improvements in glucose metabolism. The polyphenols in green tea, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may influence enzymes involved in the regulation of glucose, potentially leading to more stable blood sugar levels.
Reduced Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not respond adequately to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Green tea's antioxidant properties, along with its impact on insulin sensitivity, may help reduce insulin resistance, facilitating better glucose utilization by the cells.
This reduction in insulin resistance could prove to be a huge advantage of drinking green tea for diabetics.
Inhibition of Alpha-Amylase
Green tea has been found to inhibit alpha-amylase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose in the digestive system. By slowing down this process, green tea may help moderate the post-meal increase in blood sugar levels, supporting overall glycemic control.
Lowering Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea may lead to a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. Fasting blood sugar levels are measured after a period of not eating, and elevated levels can indicate difficulty in maintaining blood sugar within a healthy range.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. The antioxidants in green tea may help mitigate these effects, providing a protective role against inflammation and oxidative damage in the context of diabetes.
If you want to learn more about this anti inflammatory effect, we have a good section on it in our article 👉 Green Tea Benefits and Why You Should Drink it Everyday
Which brand of green tea is best for diabetes
So at this point you may be asking which brand of green tea is best for diabetes? As we have discussed on this blog before, it is less about the brand and more about the type of tea and the quality that makes a difference. Here are a few different types of green tea for diabetes.
Sencha
Sencha tea is the most popular type of green tea consumed in Japan, made from leaves that have been steamed, rolled and dried.
Because this tea is usually unshaded, it has a higher antioxidant content, potentially offering health benefits for individuals with diabetes.
Matcha
Matcha is also very versatile. It can be enjoyed in the traditional ceremonial matcha style or used in recipes. If you want a good matcha recipe, try this one 👉 The Glorious Glowing Golden Matcha Latte Recipe
Bancha
This means that you can drink it later on in the day, or after a meal which we will recommend later in the article. If you want to take a deep dive into bancha tea and learn what makes it so good, you can read this article 👉 All you need to know About Bancha
Genmaicha
If you're curious about the genmaicha health benefits, you'll want to check out this article 👉 Genmaicha Nutrition - Fact vs Myth
Is green tea good for type 2 diabetes
Before we explore is green tea good for type 2 diabetes, let’s first try and understand what type 2 diabetes is and how green tea might be able to help it.
What is Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but the cells don't use it properly, and over time, the body may not make enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors like unhealthy eating and not being active. People with Type 2 diabetes may manage their condition with lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes insulin. When it comes to green tea and diabetes, there may be a few ways green tea can mitigate the symptoms of diabetes through diet and lifestyle change.
Why is green tea good for type 2 diabetes?
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing Type 2 diabetes. Green tea has been studied for its potential role in weight management by increasing metabolism and aiding in fat oxidation. Weight loss or weight maintenance can contribute to improved insulin sensitivity.
Also, Green tea has been associated with improvements in glucose metabolism. The polyphenols in green tea, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may influence enzymes involved in the regulation of glucose, potentially contributing to more stable blood sugar levels.
If you want to take a deep dive into what benefits green tea can have on losing weight, you will definitely want to read this article here 👉 Your Ultimate Green Tea Weight Loss Guide
What is the best time to drink green tea for diabetes
Since we’ve established an answer to the question is green tea good for diabetics, let’s talk about What is the best time to drink green tea for diabetes.
Before or After Meals
Consuming green tea before or after meals may help with glucose regulation. Some studies suggest that having green tea with or after meals can moderate the post-meal increase in blood sugar levels.
During the Day
Distributing green tea consumption throughout the day may be a good approach. For example, having a cup with breakfast, lunch, or as an afternoon beverage can be a part of a balanced routine.
Don’t Drink it at Night!
Green tea may contain a far lower caffeine content than coffee, but there still is a significant amount. For this reason, we recommend to avoid green tea in the evening unless you are drinking a low caffeine green tea like genmaicha or bancha.
For a complete list of low caffeine teas, you can check out our guide 👉 8 Lowest Caffeine Tea: from Lowest to Highest
Is green tea good for diabetics? The Final Verdict
So is green tea good for diabetics?
It seems like the answer is yes 🎉
Not only can diabetics drink green tea, there would also appear to be numerous benefits of green tea for diabetics.
Remember that while green tea may offer potential health benefits, it is not a substitute for prescribed diabetes medications or other aspects of diabetes management, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
