Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot use it effectively.

This results in high levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve and eye damage.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower your risk of developing diabetes, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.

Additionally, studies have shown that a certain popular beverage can help keep diabetes at bay. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the drink and its benefits.

What is the popular beverage that lowers diabetes risk?

The popular beverage that can help lower your diabetes risk is green tea. Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What makes green tea different from other types of tea is the way it is processed.

Green tea leaves are steamed, which helps preserve their natural compounds, including polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids.

These compounds are thought to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with green tea, including its ability to lower the risk of diabetes.

Several studies have found that people who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How does green tea lower diabetes risk?

The exact mechanisms by which green tea lowers diabetes risk are not fully understood. However, studies suggest that several compounds in green tea may be responsible for its beneficial effects. These include:.

1. Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in high amounts in green tea. These compounds are thought to help regulate glucose and insulin levels in the body, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

One study found that a daily dose of green tea polyphenols reduced blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by up to 30 percent.

2. Catechins

Catechins are another type of antioxidant found in green tea. These compounds may help to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

A study found that men who drank green tea had a 25 percent lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who did not drink green tea.

3. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of compounds found in many plant-based foods, including green tea. These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help improve overall health.

A study found that drinking green tea reduced inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes, which suggests that it may be helpful in managing the disease.

Other health benefits of green tea

In addition to its ability to lower diabetes risk, green tea has several other health benefits. Some of these include:.

1. Weight loss

Studies have found that green tea can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing fat oxidation. This means that the body is better able to burn calories, which can lead to weight loss over time.

2. Heart health

Green tea has been shown to have beneficial effects on heart health. Studies have found that green tea can help to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve arterial function.

These effects may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Brain function

Green tea contains caffeine, which can help improve alertness and cognitive function.

Additionally, the polyphenols in green tea may help to protect brain cells from damage and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

How to incorporate green tea into your diet

There are several ways to incorporate green tea into your diet. Some of the most popular are:.

1. Drinking green tea

The most common way to consume green tea is by drinking it. To make green tea, simply steep a tea bag or loose tea leaves in hot water for a few minutes. Green tea can be consumed hot or cold and can be sweetened with honey or other natural sweeteners.

2. Adding green tea to smoothies

Another way to consume green tea is by adding it to smoothies. Simply brew a cup of green tea and let it cool before adding it to your favorite smoothie recipe.

3. Using green tea as a marinade

Green tea can also be used as a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables. Simply combine brewed green tea with your favorite herbs and spices, and use it to marinate your food for several hours.

Final thoughts

Green tea is a popular beverage that has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes.

It contains several beneficial compounds, including polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids, which may help to regulate glucose and insulin levels in the body and improve overall health. Additionally, green tea has several other health benefits, including weight loss, heart health, and improved brain function. To incorporate green tea into your diet, consider drinking it, adding it to smoothies, or using it as a marinade.