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Your morning cup of coffee or tea serves as the jolt of energy you need to kickstart your day. Today, we will delve into the topic of dark tea, a type of tea that has incredible health benefits, especially in the context of blood sugar management.
Recent research suggests that consuming dark tea, daily, can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, it is associated with a remarkable 53% lower risk of prediabetes and a 47% decreased risk of full-blown type 2 diabetes. This positive impact is attributed to dark tea’s ability to enhance glucose excretion via urine and improve your overall insulin resistance.
So, that morning cup of tea might be more beneficial than you thought, potentially reducing your risk of diabetes.
What exactly is dark tea?
The key differentiators in the tea spectrum are: black tea, highly oxidized; green tea, unoxidized; yellow tea, slightly fermented; and dark tea, post-fermentation. This unique tea is not to be confused with black tea, which has a different level of oxidation.
Dark tea has undergone microbial fermentation, leading to a distinctive type of oxidation that sets it apart. Dark tea earns its name from the transformation of its leaves, much like iron rusting, as they change color due to oxidation. Dark tea’s distinguishing feature is its intentional exposure to a controlled environment, akin to a compost pile, in a process known as “pile fermentation” or “wet fermentation.” During this method, the tea leaves are piled up, subjected to heat, moisture and microbes, a transformation that can span over several months or years. This aging process mirrors the development of flavors and characteristics in cheese or wine.
It’s this fermentation that may underpin the remarkable effects of dark tea on blood sugar regulation.
Dark tea has shown promise in controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes.
Dark tea’s fermentation process appears to generate powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, enhance insulin sensitivity, boost the performance of insulin-producing cells and contribute to a diverse gut microbiome.
Furthermore, dark tea may influence glucose excretion in the kidneys, reducing the risk of high blood sugar and diabetes.
Types of dark tea —
When selecting dark tea for your pantry, it’s advisable to opt for a natural variety without artificial additives, ensuring you reap the full benefits of this exceptional brew. A common type of dark tea is Pu-erh from China. Some other types of dark tea are Liubao (also known as Liupao or Liupu) tea, Fuzhuan brick tea, Qingzhuan brick tea, Kangzhuan brick tea.
 Dark tea and diabetes: What’s the link?
We’re aware of the abundant antioxidants in tea leaves and how these antioxidants, along with anti-inflammatory compounds, can promote vascular health and reduce inflammation in your body. Nevertheless, the extent to which regular intake of unsweetened black tea can significantly reduce your susceptibility to type 2 diabetes is truly astonishing. This serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable potential of natural foods when incorporated into your diet.
- Tea leaves contain beneficial compounds that offer a variety of advantages to the body. One such compound, catechins, is an antioxidant present in tea, and has been demonstrated to play a vital role in regulating insulin, blood sugar and energy metabolism through the management of signaling pathways.
- Consuming black tea may potentially lower the risk of diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity, which translates to better control of blood sugar. This improvement results in increased glucose elimination in the urine, reducing the amount of blood sugar that needs to be managed.
- The hypoglycemic effects of these antioxidants typically inhibit carbohydrate digestion, glucose absorption and the stimulation of insulin secretion, collectively leading to better and more effective blood sugar regulation.
A daily cup of dark tea may make it easier to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes according to research.
Would experts recommend dark tea as a blood sugar management tool?
The findings are promising, and consuming dark tea represents an uncomplicated approach to potentially attain significant health benefits. Furthermore, dark tea can be a valuable tool for managing blood sugar, but it’s crucial to consume it without adding sugar or sweeteners. Introducing these sweet additives can diminish the well-established advantages of dark tea in regulating blood sugar.
Does dark tea mimic diabetes drugs?
Dark tea may simulate the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors, which enhance glucose excretion and offer heart and kidney protection, but the evidence supporting dark tea’s similar benefits as diabetes medication is currently limited.
Takeaway —
It’s crucial to keep in mind that there is no miraculous solution in a single food or beverage for your overall health. While incorporating daily unsweetened dark tea can be beneficial, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to your diet, especially in terms of blood sugar management. While dark tea can make a positive contribution, viewing your diet as a whole is key to enhancing your health.
It is advisable to diversify your tea selection, including dark, black, green, and white teas, as each offers various benefits in terms of reducing blood sugar, enhancing inflammation, and bolstering antioxidant levels.
