Top 5 Benefits of Oolong Tea for Diabetics

Oolong tea is rightfully considered to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It’s widely consumed in East Asia, particularly in Taiwan and China.

The tea contains caffeine, L-theanine, and polyphenols, and it’s extremely beneficial for people with diabetes. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.

Better Blood Sugar Control

Much like green and black tea, oolong is rich in polyphenols. These are potent antioxidants that have beneficial effects on a wide range of health issues, including blood sugar level regulation in people suffering from diabetes.

A study review published in 2003 examined the link between oolong tea consumption and blood sugar levels in diabetics. Twenty patients were included in the study. The researchers found that consuming 50 ounces of oolong tea a day for 30 days lead to a 30% drop in blood sugar levels.

Might Prevent Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

As a growing body of research proves, the regular consumption of oolong tea might help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. More research is needed, but the results are encouraging.

Health Tip:
Add this to water to help lower your blood sugar

A review of studies published in 2014 by a team of Chinese scientists investigated the links between oolong tea consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers concluded that the daily consumption of 24 ounces of oolong tea can decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 16%.

Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight is of paramount importance for people suffering from diabetes. Being overweight can increase insulin resistance, which raises blood sugar levels and causes many other diabetes-related problems.

More and more studies are being conducted to investigate the links between oolong tea and weight loss. The vast majority agree that oolong tea can be very helpful in avoiding obesity.

A study published in 2011 in Obesity Reviews found that the polyphenol-rich teas such as oolong can boost the enzymes that propagate the use of stored fat for energy. The same study found that caffeine and polyphenols raise the amount of burned calories by 4.8%.

Improves Brain Function

Regular intake of oolong tea has positive effects on the health of your brain. Several different components have been scientifically proven to boost brain functions.

Caffeine increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals lift your mood, and they improve concentration and alertness. L-theanine can have beneficial effects on your attention span and reduce anxiety levels. Finally, polyphenols provide additional calming effects.

Improves Heart Health

People suffering from type 2 diabetes run a high risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants found in oolong tea can significantly boost your heart health, as a growing body of research finds.

A study published back in 2003 investigated the link between tea consumption and heart disease. It was conducted in Saudi Arabia on healthy adults. The researchers found that the consumption of 48 ounces of tea a day reduced the likelihood of heart disease by 51%.

A Quick Overview

Oolong tea is rich in substances that have numerous beneficial effects on the human body. The tea can help diabetics regulate blood sugar levels, stave off heart disease, lose weight, and boost brain functions. It can even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.