Drinking dark tea daily may be beneficial in reducing the risk and progression of type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control, according to a recent study.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia and Southeast University in China, the study revealed compelling findings. Daily consumers of dark tea were found to have a 53% lower risk for prediabetes and a 47% reduced risk for type 2 diabetes compared to individuals who never consumed tea. These results held true even after adjusting for established risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and more.
POSITIVELY IMPACT BLOOD SUGAR
Associate Professor Tongzhi Wu, the study’s co-lead author, noted that habitual tea drinking may positively impact blood sugar management through mechanisms such as increased glucose excretion in urine, improved insulin resistance, and better overall blood sugar control. These effects were most pronounced among those who consumed dark tea on a daily basis.
The unique production process of dark tea, involving microbial fermentation, may be responsible for its distinct health benefits. This process yields bioactive compounds like alkaloids, free amino acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and their derivatives, which exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, dark tea consumption has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and better functioning of beta cells in the pancreas, as well as alterations in gut bacteria composition.
STUDY
The study involved 1,923 adults living in various provinces in China, with participants ranging in age from 20 to 80 years. It included individuals with normal blood glucose levels, prediabetes, and diabetes. Participants were questioned about their tea consumption habits, including frequency and type of tea.
ANALYSIS
The analysis revealed that daily tea consumption was associated with an increase in urinary glucose excretion and a reduction in insulin resistance, leading to a 15% lower risk of prediabetes and a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those who never drank tea. Dark tea drinkers experienced the most significant benefits, with an even greater increase in urinary glucose excretion and reduction in insulin resistance.
The researchers emphasized that while these findings are promising, they are based on observational data and do not definitively prove that daily tea consumption improves blood sugar control. To further validate these results, a double-blind, randomized trial is currently underway to investigate the effects of dark tea on blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, daily consumption of dark tea shows potential in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and improving blood sugar control. It offers a simple and enjoyable dietary addition that may contribute to better health. However, researchers caution that more studies are needed to establish a direct causal relationship between dark tea consumption and blood sugar management.
