More than five million people in the UK are thought to be living with diabetes, with cases doubling in the last 15 years. The NHS spends at least £10billion annually on the disease — around 10 per cent of its entire budget.
And now, a new study shows that drinking tea every day could halve your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes causes blood sugar levels to increase because of problems with how the body produces the hormone insulin, which breaks down glucose. Previous research published in British Medical Journal in April 2023, has shown drinking tea can reduce your chances of diabetes and heart disease[1], but it has not been clear how this happens.
However new research[2], conducted by the University of Adelaide and Southeast University in China, shows how the humble cuppa can cut the risk of diabetes and offering a fresh perspective on its health implications.
Tea, a staple in many households, has long been associated with numerous health benefits. The study, which meticulously analysed the tea-drinking habits of 1,923 adults across eight provinces in China, has brought to light some compelling findings regarding its impact on diabetes.
Daily tea drinkers, the research reveals, reduced their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by a noteworthy 28%. This statistic alone underscores the potential health boon encapsulated in our daily cups of tea.
However, the research delves even deeper, spotlighting a specific variant of tea that packs an even more potent health punch. Dark tea, a variant not widely recognised in the UK, emerged as a particularly formidable contender in reducing diabetes risk, slashing it by nearly half (47%). But what sets dark tea apart from its more commonly consumed counterparts?
Dark tea undergoes a unique microbial fermentation process during production, which is believed to yield bioactive compounds. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing the performance of pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for maintaining our blood sugar levels.
This meticulous process of crafting dark tea not only imparts it with a distinct flavour but also infuses it with properties that might just make it a super-beverage in managing blood sugar levels.
Tea, especially dark tea, is believed to increase glucose excretion in urine, improve insulin resistance, and thereby, better control blood sugar levels.
Professor Tongzhi Wu from the University of Adelaide elaborates, "Our findings hint at the protective effects of habitual tea drinking on blood sugar management via increased glucose excretion in urine, improved insulin resistance, and thus better control of blood sugar".
Moreover, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of tea are thought to be pivotal in improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
In the UK, where one in every 16 people has diabetes, predominantly Type 2, which is often linked to lifestyle, this finding is particularly striking.
The researchers caution that while the study is observational and cannot establish causality, it does suggest that daily tea consumption is likely to contribute to improved blood sugar control.
Professor Zilin Sun from Southeast University adds, "Our findings suggest that drinking dark tea every day has the potential to lessen Type 2 diabetes risk and progression through better blood sugar control"
In the comforting embrace of each cup of tea lies not just a cherished tradition but potentially, a shield against the burgeoning threat of Type 2 diabetes. With the research illuminating a 28% risk reduction from regular tea and an even more promising 47% from dark tea, our daily brew takes on a new, healthful significance.
As we navigate through the myriad of lifestyle choices, perhaps it’s time to view our tea-drinking habits through a new lens, not just as a source of comfort but as a mindful step towards wellness.
Whether it’s the familiar black tea or the lesser-known dark variant, each sip is steeped in potential benefits, inviting us to ponder: might the path to better health be found in our very own teacups?
So, as we cradle our next cup of warmth, let’s reflect on the simple, yet profound steps we can take daily, turning every sip into a mindful choice for our well-being.
1. How much tea should I drink to avail these benefits?
The study suggest that consuming at least one cup of tea, particularly dark tea, daily can provide notable benefits.
2. What is dark tea and how is it different from the regular tea available in the UK?
Dark tea undergoes a unique microbial fermentation process during its production, potentially yielding unique bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Can I drink any type of tea to avail these benefits?
While dark tea showed the most significant benefits, regular tea consumption, in general, was associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced diabetes risk.
4. Is it advisable to replace all beverages with tea to maximise benefits?
While tea has its benefits, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and consume a variety of beverages, including plenty of water, for overall health.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
Reference:
[1] Beverage consumption and mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes: prospective cohort study. BMJ 2023.
[2] Diabetologia 2023
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