Diabetes is the third major "health killer" after cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This highlights how crucial blood sugar management is. Today, we introduce six types of blood sugar lowering teas to help you maintain healthy glucose levels.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 1: Mulberry Leaf Tea
In ancient times, mulberry leaves were used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat "wasting-thirst" (diabetes). The unique component 1-deoxynojirimycin in mulberry leaf tea inhibits α-glucosidase, the enzyme that breaks down polysaccharides into glucose in the small intestine, thereby preventing blood sugar spikes. It is recommended to drink it before meals for better blood sugar lowering effects.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 2: Guava Tea
Made by steeping dried leaves of the tropical fruit guava in hot water. It enhances the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues and promotes insulin binding to receptors. A survey by Japan's University of the Ryukyus found that the lower incidence of diabetes in Okinawa is related to the local preference for this tea.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 3: Yacon Leaf Tea
Yacon, a plant in the aster family native to the South American Andes, has leaves containing insulin-like substances that help control blood sugar, and also reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 4: Banana Tea
Made from wild banana leaves, it contains corosolic acid which has functions similar to insulin, promoting glucose entry into cells.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 5: Green Tea
The catechins in green tea delay the absorption of sugar in the small intestine, thus inhibiting postprandial blood sugar spikes. The antioxidants in green tea also enhance capillary flexibility and reduce bodily inflammation.
Blood Sugar Lowering Tea 6: Chrysanthemum-Hawthorn Tea
15 grams of chrysanthemum and 20 grams of hawthorn. Decoct in water or steep in boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking. Regular consumption of this tea not only helps lower blood pressure and lipids but also expands coronary arteries and relaxes blood vessels. It is particularly suitable for patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiac insufficiency.