Tea May Help Prevent Diabetes

Sipping tea may help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a recent analysis of 18 studies involving a total of 457,922 participants. The analysis also indicates that drinking coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes, a disease predicted to affect about 380 million people worldwide by the year 2025.

Researchers found that study members who drank more than three to four cups of tea daily had a one-fifth lower diabetes risk than those who drank no tea. The researchers theorize that certain compounds in tea (including antioxidants and minerals) may help ward off diabetes.

Past research shows that green tea and black tea in particular may help fight diabetes. Another natural substance, cinnamon has also been shown to guard against diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels in check.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and following a fiber-rich diet are all considered crucial in lowering your diabetes risk.

Tea May Help Prevent Diabetes originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, January 1st, 2010 at 06:00:21.