Drinking Black Tea May Help Lower Diabetes Risk

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been on the rise worldwide for the past 2 decades. The number of individuals with type 2 diabetes in the year 2010 was 285 million. By 2017, it had risen to 462 million, surpassing earlier predictions, and type 2 diabetes continues to become more and more common.

There have been numerous studies conducted in the past on the effect that drinking black tea can have on any person's overall health. These previous studies have found that there are several possible links between regular black tea consumption and several health benefits.

A Scottish study that was published in the March 2008 edition of Aging Cell, found that current research concludes that regular consumption of black tea is linked to a possible lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the research, the countries that have a higher percentage of the population consuming black tea also have the least amount of individuals who are suffering from diabetes. Individuals who live in these countries (notably Ireland, United Kingdom and Turkey) consume roughly 4.4 pounds of black tea per year on average.

Although the health benefits were found to be present when consuming other types of teas, such as green tea and white tea, black tea appeared to be the only type of tea that offered a high levels of protection from diabetes. Black tea undergoes a higher fermentation rate than other types of teas, and is therefore a darker tea than white and green teas. The higher level of fermentation transforms the basic flavonoid compounds that are in their simple state (found in green tea) into more complex compounds to create black tea. It may be this fermentation process that is responsible for the decreased risk of diabetes, however, further research is necessary to confirm this theory.

Drinking copious amounts of black tea is, of course, not the only thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes — and nor should it be. Additional lifestyle choices that can help to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes include eating a proper diet that is chock full of healthy nutrients, as well as participating in adequate exercise regularly, meaning being active for at least 30 minutes a day five times a week.

Limiting unhealthy foods that put you at a higher risk for developing diabetes, such as processed foods, refined sugars and flours, and white foods (white rice, white bread, white flour, white sugar) can help to decrease your risk of developing diabetes as well. Replace unhealthy foods with servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. When exercising, be sure to get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise to boost cardiovascular health. Aim for a minimum of 3 times per week. See your doctor regularly if you have been determined to be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, and follow their advice.

Additional Benefits Of Black Tea

In addition to possibly lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, black tea has been linked to other health benefits as well. That's because black tea contains high levels of powerful antioxidants. It is contains the simple flavonoids that can help to reduce inflammation within the body as well.

As the tea leaf is fermented, additional flavonoids develop. These additional flavonoids are complex, and are high in antioxidants. Black tea is also believed to possibly have the ability to lower blood sugar absorption, which would explain why it can slash your risk of diabetes.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The large amount of antioxidants that are present in the flavonoids in black tea make drinking this tea regularly effective at keeping LDL cholesterol at bay. Because LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol, keeping levels in check can help prevent damage to arterial walls and keep the compound out of the bloodstream. It also aids in the prevention of blood clot formation. This helps lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease and heart disease.

Cancer Prevention Benefits

Black tea contains cancer-fighting polyphenols. These substances help to prevent carcinogens from forming within the body. It is especially effective at preventing cancerous carcinogens from forming in the ovaries, lungs, prostate, bladder and colorectal areas. Some other studies suggest that there may be a link to black tea consumption and a decreased risk of developing stomach, prostate and breast cancer. This may be due to the presence of TF-2, the compound found in black tea that causes apoptosis (when cancer cells go into programmed death).

Skin Benefits

The high levels of antioxidants found in black tea may be responsible for improving your skins appearance and eliminating or reducing acne. Comparative studies suggest that the effect of black tea can be similar to that of using benzoyl peroxide to treat problem skin.

Bone Health

Many studies have shown that individuals who regularly consume black tea have stronger bones than those who do not consume the beverage. Researchers believe this may be a result of the high levels of powerful phytochemicals present in black tea.

Digestive Benefits

Black tea contains tannins, which are known to have a calming, therapeutic effect on the digestive tract. The tannins are effective at reducing intestinal activity and they have an anti-diarrheal effect on the body. The polyphenols present in tea can help reduce intestinal inflammation, a common problem faced by individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Brain Benefits

Black tea contains much lower levels of caffeine than coffee. Because of these lower levels, black tea is more effective at promoting blood flow to the brain in the same manner that coffee does, but without causing the unwanted side effect of overstimulation of the heart. The level of caffeine present in black tea is sufficient to create mental focus and improved concentration without causing elevated heart rate, jitters or hyperactivity. Regular moderate black tea consumption (up to 4 cups per day) has also been linked to a decrease in the production of cortisol (the stress hormone). There is some evidence that drinking black tea regularly can decrease your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Oral Benefits

The catechins that are present in black tea are specific antioxidants that have been linked to a possible reduction in the development of oral cancers. Catechins are believed to have the ability to suppress certain types of tumors. The polyphenols in black tea, together with the tannins, work as antibiotics that help to keep bacteria at healthy levels. This results in a decreased risk of tooth decay and less chance of developing bad breath.

Black tea is, in other words, so much more than an enjoyable drink. It's medicine!