Do you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels? Did you know that including specific teas in your diet can be beneficial? This post will list the top 13 teas that are good for diabetes.
Tea is a popular drink with a long history and cultural value. It originates from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Tea is known for its properties, including antioxidants and minerals. These components can potentially help lower blood sugar levels.
Different teas have many variations based on how they are processed. They can help people with diabetes moderate their blood sugar levels. For example, green tea improves insulin sensitivity. Other teas also have blood level-lowering properties, which will be discussed later.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the best diabetic teas. It can make insulin work better and lower blood sugar levels. Green tea also has epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that slows down how quickly the body turns food into sugar.
You can drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea daily. First, boil water to prepare your Chinese green tea for diabetes. Then pour it over 1 to 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves or a green tea bag. Let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes then remove the tea leaves or bag.
Black Tea
Black tea is another best tea for diabetes. It boosts insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. It also improves heart health. Drink 3 to 4 cups of black tea daily for the progress.
Allow the boiling water to cool for a few minutes to brew black tea. Then pour it over 1 to 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves or a tea bag. Remove the tea leaves or bag after 3 to 5 minutes of steeping. You can drink it plain or with milk, stevia, or honey.
Oolong Tea
One of the best diabetic teas is oolong tea. It has components that may help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Drinking 2 to 3 cups of oolong tea reduces fasting blood sugar levels. It can also reduce type-II diabetes.
Here are the steps to make oolong tea: Boil water and pour it over 1 to 2 teaspoons of oolong leaves or a tea bag. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bag. Enjoy oolong tea plain or add lemon, honey, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
White Tea
White tea is also known as one of the best teas for diabetes. This tea undergoes minimal processing to preserve its natural compounds. White tea has components that can manage insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Drinking 2 to 3 cups of white tea per day is suggested.
Let’s make a white tea by heating water to about 175°F (80°C). Next, pour it over 1 to 2 teaspoons of white tea leaves or a bag. Let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes, then strain the leaves or remove the tea bag. You can enjoy white tea as is or add sweeteners for added flavor.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is another tea for diabetes. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. Consuming 1 to 2 cups of cinnamon tea is recommended to get the possible benefits of cinnamon tea for diabetes.
To make cinnamon tea, boil water then add 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon. Let it steep for a few minutes, then strain the tea, enjoy it as is, or add honey or stevia if desired.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a warming drink that can be the best anti-diabetic tea. It lowers fasting blood glucose levels and improves glycemic management. You can drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea per day.
To brew ginger tea, peel and slice small pieces of fresh ginger root. These slices should be cut about 1 to 2 inches long. After that, add it to the boiling water for a few minutes. You can drink this tea by adding honey or a squeeze of lemon for an extra taste.
Bilberry Tea
Bilberry tea is a flavorful herbal tea for diabetes. Bilberries are small berries that are associated with improving blood sugar control. It regulates blood sugar levels and supports metabolic health. You can have 1 to 2 cups of bilberry tea a day.
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried bilberry leaves or berries to boiling water to create bilberry tea. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can strain the tea or add honey if desired.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a vibrant and great diabetic tea. It is because hibiscus flowers have anti-diabetic properties. It can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes problems. You can drink 2 to 3 cups of hibiscus tea a day.
Boil water first to make hibiscus tea. Next, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus petals or a tea bag. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can strain the tea or add lemon for added flavor.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a soothing herbal tea for diabetes. It has properties that can help you manage your blood sugar levels. It improves glycemic control and reduces inflammation. You can have 1 to 2 cups of chamomile tea per day.
Add dried chamomile flowers to water to prepare chamomile tea. You can also choose to add a chamomile tea bag. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then filter the tea to enjoy it for a drink with honey or a squeeze of lemon.
Sage Tea
Another tea for diabetes is sage tea. It is an herbal tea that has potential anti-diabetic properties. It improves insulin sensitivity and controls blood sugar levels. You can drink 1 to 2 cups of sage tea per day.
To prepare sage tea, boil water then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried sage leaves or a sage tea bag. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can strain the tea and add honey if desired.
Rooibos Tea
This tea is also known as red bush tea. Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea. It has a naturally sweet and rich flavor profile. Rooibos tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols associated with potential blood sugar-lowering properties. It is recommended to drink 3- to 4 cups of Rooibos Tea for diabetes a day.
Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of rooibos tea leaves or a bag into the boiling water. Allow it to steep for 5 to 7 minutes. You can then remove the tea leaves or bag and enjoy the tea plain or add stevia or a slice of lemon for added taste.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a herbal tea that contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, which lowers blood sugar properties. Peppermint tea can also help relax the digestive muscles and improve digestion. It has a natural minty flavor, and you can drink 1 to 2 cups daily.
To make peppermint tea, add dried peppermint leaves or a peppermint tea bag to boiling water. Then allow it to combine with the water for a few minutes. Peppermint tea has no caffeine content and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Gorse Flower Tea
Gorse Flower, or “Baccharia trimera,” has proven to help diabetic people. It has hypoglycemic properties that aid in maintaining a constant glucose level. It also has cleansing and antioxidant properties.
Soak 10 grams of gorse flower in 500 mL (approximately 2 cups) of boiling water for 10 minutes to prepare. After that, filter and drink up to three glasses each day. You can also add sweeteners for extra taste.
Disclaimer: While these are teas good for diabetes, it doesn’t replace medical treatment. This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Follow your doctor’s advice before changing your diet or lifestyle. Manage your blood sugar levels regularly and work with healthcare professionals to do it properly.
FAQs
Is Turmeric Tea Good for Diabetes?
Yes. Turmeric contains a compound called “curcumin,” which has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on diabetes management. Working with a healthcare professional before drinking this tea is always best.
Can Diabetics Drink Iced Tea?
Yes, people with diabetes can generally enjoy iced tea as part of a balanced diet. Sweetened iced teas can significantly impact blood sugar levels. Drinking unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea is a better choice for managing blood sugar levels.
Is There a Best Sweetener for Diabetics?
There is no definitive “best” sweetener for people with diabetes, as it can vary depending on the people’s choice. Some sweeteners are commonly recommended for people with diabetes due to their minimal impact on blood sugar levels. These include stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract, as they have little to no effect on blood glucose levels.
Which is the Best Tea for Diabetic Patients?
Some of the best options for diabetic patients include green tea or black tea. You can also try herbal teas, like chamomile or hibiscus tea. These teas are often low in calories and may help control your blood sugar.
What Tea Lowers Cholesterol and Manages Diabetes?
Green tea can lower cholesterol and help manage diabetes. This tea is rich in antioxidants and can help manage blood sugar or insulin levels.
