Worried about your blood glucose levels? Have some tea. In a study of 42 countries, researchers found that higher black tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers looked at countrywide sales of black tea and compared that data with rates of respiratory, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to cancer and diabetes, as reported by the World Health Organization’s World Health Survey.
The research, published online in the journal BMJ Open, found that on average, a population that consumes double the amount of black tea compared to another country about 25 percent fewer cases of diabetes. There was no association with black tea consumption and the other four health indicators.
Swiss research agency Data Mining International and Unilever, the makers of Lipton tea, carried out the study.
“This study is very interesting because it confirms a lot of different, small studies on the health benefits of black tea,” says Ariel Beresniak, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Data Mining International. Previous studies have pointed to evidence that black tea has antidiabetes properties, including that it improves pancreatic function in glucose-intolerant rats.
Want to get the most out of your cup? Follow our guide for the optimal water temperature and steeping time for five kinds of tea.
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Best Teas: 5 Unbeatable Brews
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Tasty Iced Tea Cocktails
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