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What’s more, drinking unsweetened tea can help keep your body hydrated. Plus, some tea varieties contain plant compounds that fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for people with diabetes ( 3). Opting for calorie-free or very low calorie beverages like unsweetened tea over sugary beverages like soda and sweetened coffee drinks is an excellent way to optimize diabetic control. There are many types of tea, including true teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which include black, green, and oolong tea, and herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile tea ( 1).īoth true teas and herbal teas have been associated with a variety of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds that they contain, and research has shown that some teas have properties that are particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.ĭiabetes is a group of conditions characterized by chronically high blood sugar levels resulting from either the inadequate secretion of the blood-sugar-regulating hormone insulin, reduced sensitivity to insulin, or both ( 2).įor people with diabetes, tight blood sugar regulation is critical, and choosing foods and beverages that optimize healthy blood sugar control is key. Consumed by over two-thirds of the global population, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world ( 1).
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