Having a good diet is essential to prevent or keep diabetes under control. But this is not only limited to what we eat, but also what we drink.
Here we will see a list of infusions that can help regulate blood sugar levels, how to prepare them and what precautions must be taken into account.
Cinnamon tea
There are different types of cinnamon, although Ceylon or real cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum ) is usually the best option since it contains little or no coumarins, potentially toxic substances for the liver.
Its use for medicinal purposes has a long tradition, especially to improve digestion, eliminate gas and control levels of “bad” cholesterol.
With regard to diabetes, there is evidence indicating that consuming cinnamon helps reduce blood sugar levels, as it slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream, improves the cellular absorption of glucose and promotes insulin sensitivity.
You can drink cinnamon in i fusion. To do this, put ½ of water on the heat and when it starts to boil add 1 stick of cinnamon or two tablespoons of its powder. Boil for a few seconds, turn off the heat, let it rest, strain and drink.
Its intake is considered safe for most people if it is consumed between 1 and 4 g daily for up to 4 months.
Its prolonged and excessive use can cause intoxication and interact with other medications that are used to control blood sugar levels.
Turmeric tea
The Curcuma longa belongs to the family Zingiberaceae , and for centuries it has been used as a flavoring and coloring.
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It is one of the essential condiments of curry, and its main component is curcumin, which gives it its color, as well as an important variety of medicinal effects.
With respect to diabetes, The scientific evidence available is scarce, but it is believed that turmeric can help control blood glucose levels thanks to the antioxidant properties of curcumin, which works by protecting the cells of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin.
You can drink turmeric in i nfusions by boiling a tablespoon of its powder or half of its zest in water and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain the preparation and add lemon to flavor.
Although turmeric is considered safe for most people, there are records that show that consuming it in excess (more than 10 g daily) may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea and vomiting.
Fenugreek tea
Trigonella foenum-graecum , popularly known as Fenugreek, fenugreek, fenugreek or methi, is a plant highly valued for its medicinal properties.
Different investigations analyzed the effects of its seeds in people with diabetes, and although the evidence is still considered insufficient, its consumption was associated with a decrease in blood glucose levels.
Experts believe that this is due to the presence of fiber, which reduces the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to prevent the famous “peaks” or “falls” of glucose.
You can prepare an infusion of fenugreek with its powdered seeds (2 g per ¼ liter of water). It is advisable not to drink more than 2 cups a day, since in excess it can cause diarrhea, gas and indigestion.
It is also not recommended for pregnant women, since it can cause spontaneous abortions.
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea, also known as bitter tea, is an infusion that is prepared with the petals of the plant Hibiscus sabdariffa .
These petals contain beneficial antioxidants, which give hibiscus tea its characteristic bright ruby color and an important variety of beneficial effects to health.
This infusion would be especially useful to control high blood pressure levels, a very common condition in people with diabetes, and would help reduce insulin resistance.
To prepare it, you just have to add hibiscus flowers to boiling water (the proportion is three parts of water for each one of the petals). Do not exceed the intake of two cups a day.
Caution is advised to people with hypertension when consuming it, since hibiscus tea can interact with medications for high blood pressure.
Ginger tea
Ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae , so it is a relative of other recognized specimens such as turmeric and cardamom. Like these herbs, it has a long medicinal tradition.
Its rhizome, that is, the underground horizontal stem, is used for its fresh aroma, spicy flavor and variety of properties.
Among them is helping to regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, thanks to the interaction of some of its substances with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the secretion of insulin.
To take advantage of this benefit, you can drink it as an infusion. Add to boiling water no more than 10 g of grated or chopped ginger per cup. If you use it in powder, keep in mind that it will be more concentrated (1/8 of a tablespoon of powder is equivalent to a whole spoon of fresh).
Due to its effects on blood sugar levels, Professionals advise avoiding the consumption of ginger for these purposes if you already take diabetes medications, such as Actos, Amaryl, Avandia, Diabeta or Glynase.
Green and black tea
Many varieties of tea are obtained from the dried leaf of the plant Camellia sinensis . This differentiation is based on the degree of oxidation that the leaf receives, for example, green tea does not undergo an oxidation process, while black tea receives complete oxidation.
The green tea has antioxidant and astringent properties, in addition, due to its alkaline nature, it helps control levels of Blood glucose.
This is because it stimulates the proper functioning of the pancreas, responsible for the secretion of insulin, and , therefore, of a correct decomposition and absorption of sugar.
The black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering properties.
The risks associated with the consumption of these two infusions rotate and n around caffeine and tannin content. Among the main consequences are: anemia, headache, constipation, irritability, liver and sleep problems.
Specialists advise drinking them in moderation, that is, between 2 and 3 cups per day.
Precautions
These infusions can be helpful for people with diabetes. However, their effectiveness will largely depend on the way they are consumed.
Although occasionally drinking sweetened infusions does not represent a serious health risk, constantly adding sugar can be harmful, since the body will not be able to take advantage of the benefits of these drinks.
In the long run, this can be counterproductive, in any case increasing blood glucose, as well as weight and blood pressure.
The specialists also advise reading the labels of ingredients and nutritional data, if we buy packaged tea.
To Remember:
Until significant scientific evidence from human trials is available, people interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should be very careful.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, first talk to the doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the Medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, with other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources consulted: American Diabetes Association, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, US National Library of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, American Nutrition Society.