chamomile tea can help lower blood sugar
chamomile tea can help lower blood sugar congerdesign - Pixabay

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce any or enough insulin. This hormone allows the body to utilize glucose or sugar from the food you eat into energy. Without insulin, or having an insufficient amount of the hormone, the body’s blood sugar levels can rise too high or fall too low. If left unchecked, type 2 diabetes can cause the development of severe health risks like stroke and heart disease. Fortunately, there are dietary options that can help you defend against rising levels of blood sugar.

A Delicious Beverage

Particular beverages could help keep your blood sugar levels healthy. Including them in your regular diet would bring about lots of benefits. Among these beverages is a hot chamomile tea.

Aside from being considered one of the most delicious hot beverages around, chamomile tea is also famous for its calming effects. It also helps you get to sleep much easier and better, as well as defend against anxiety attacks. Some women drink chamomile tea to alleviate their menstrual cramps.

Good for Diabetics

Recent studies found chamomile tea to help type 2 diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels. In one such study conducted by Japanese scientists, a group of diabetic rats was given chamomile extracts daily for three weeks. Another group of similarly afflicted mice was administered with placebo.

At the end of the research period, rats that have been consuming chamomile have way lower blood sugar levels compared to those that were given placebo. Scientists also discovered the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile could help prevent pancreas cell damage. This usually happens when blood sugar levels are unusually high.

In another study, this time involving more than 60 diabetics, researchers found those who include chamomile tea in their regular meals reduced their blood sugar levels after 8 weeks. This is in comparison to those who drank regular water along with their daily meals.

Abstaining from Certain Drinks Can Help

Avoiding some drinks that spike up sugar levels can also help with the goal of managing type 2 diabetes. Among the worst culprits are sugary beverages like soda and synthetic juice drinks. These sugary beverages are both high in calories and carbohydrates.

This is aside from the fact that it does not contain any nutritional value at all, apart from making you feel energetic for a short and limited time.

Exercise Helps

Exercising is useful for those who want to have more control over their sugar levels. A recent study revealed that physical activity plays a vital role in managing blood sugar levels. Researchers also showed that you could control your blood sugar levels better when you change the schedule of your meals and exercise.

For instance, scientists found that those who performed physical activities before breakfast can burn fat more compared to those who exercised after meals. While this may not lead to significant weight loss successes, such practice of exercising first before eating have positive and profound effects on the general health of the patient.