About Green Tea for High Blood Pressure & Diabetes
Regular consumption of at least half a cup of green tea a day can alleviate the symptoms of high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Green tea can also prevent and/or control diabetes by helping to regulate glucose levels in the body.
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Reducing Hypertension
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According to research conducted in China in 2004, drinking one cup of green tea a day reduced high blood pressure symptoms by 50 percent or more. Green tea relaxes the blood vessels, alleviating high blood pressure symptoms. However, Chinese researchers found that "tea consumption for more than one year was not associated with a further reduction of hypertension risk."
Controlling Blood Sugar
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Green tea helps regulate the body's glucose, thereby lessening the harmful effects of low insulin levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea not only helps to prevent type 1 diabetes, but may also slow down its progress if already developed. According to an article published in the September 2003 edition of "Agriculture Research," recent clinical trials with rats showed that "regularly brewed tea...increased insulin activity by more than 15 times."
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Active Agents
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The catechin (or "flavonoid") EGCG is largely responsible for increased insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant.
For Best Results
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Drinking at least half a cup of moderately strong green tea a day is best. Habitual tea drinking continued for at least a year will provide the most health benefits. Nonhabitual drinking has been associated with higher risk of developing hypertension. As an added benefit, the habit of daily tea drinking can also reduce stress and regulate diet, two important factors in the prevention of both hypertension and diabetes.
Caution
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Since green tea contains more caffeine than regular coffee, drinking too much green tea can exacerbate the symptoms of hypertension. Drink in moderation.
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