Does Black Tea Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes?
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
More research is needed on the subject to prove that the drink protects against the disease ...
Consumption of black tea helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
Analyzing data from 50 countries, the researchers found that the incidence of diabetes was lowest in the countries where black tea was consumed the most, namely Ireland, the United Kingdom and Turkey. It is lowest in South Korea, Brazil and China.
Researchers use a mathematical model to determine the effects of black tea consumption on a number of health conditions. They found a link with only one disease - type 2 diabetes.
The study found no causal link, said researcher Dr Ariel Beresniak of the Data Mining International research group in Geneva, Switzerland.
More research is needed to prove that the drink protects against the disease, the expert added.
If black tea is actually proven to be associated with a lower risk of diabetes in the future, the fermentation process may explain the cause, says Dr. Ariel Beresnyak. The fermentation process converts simple flavonoid compounds, catechins, into the complex compounds theaflavins and thearubigins, which have strong antioxidant properties.
The results are reflected in the BMJ Open magazine .
In recent decades, the number of patients with type 2 diabetes has been increasing worldwide. By 2030, more than 900 million people are expected to be affected by diabetes or at high risk of developing the disease.
A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet can reduce the risk of diabetes. Experts recommend regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and avoid foods rich in refined sugar and white flour.
It is also recommended to practice at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, at least three times a week.
Related Articles
- The Role of Flour in Nutrition: Types, Benefits, and Recipes
- The Role of Additives in Nutrition: Types, Common Additives, Regulations, and Health Concerns
- The Role of Additives in Nutrition: Types, Common Additives, Health Concerns
- The Role of Thickeners in Nutrition: Types, Benefits, and Recipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Protein Shakes: Benefits, Types, Recipes, and More