Tea, which originated in China, has been a staple of the Eastern diet for more than 4,500 years, and has only been a part of the diet in the West for the past 400 years, according to the Wissotsky Tea website. Whether you drink tea for tradition or comfort, you are no doubt doing your body good including it in your diet. While green tea may often take the spotlight as a healthy tea choice, if you have diabetes you may want to consider oolong tea instead. Consult your doctor first before adding oolong tea to your diet.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar. People with diabetes either do not make enough insulin, or cannot properly use the insulin they do make. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport the sugar from your bloodstream into your cells to provide their energy. Uncontrolled diabetes -- prolonged elevated blood sugars -- damages your body and can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and heart. You cannot cure your diabetes, but you can manage your blood sugars by making changes to your lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, and taking your medication as directed by your physician.
Oolong Tea
Oolong, also known as wu long, tea is a Chinese tea usually served at Chinese restaurants. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant that produces the leaves for green tea. The difference between green tea and oolong tea is the method of preparation. After the leaves are picked, they are shaken and bruised before drying. The bruising allows the leaves to undergo oxidation and fermentation during the drying process. Oolong tea has a strong flavor and sweet smell, and is low in caffeine.
Oolong Tea and Blood Sugar
Including oolong tea as part of your diet plan for diabetes may aid in blood sugar control. A 2003 randomized crossover study published in "Diabetes Care" set out to determine whether oolong tea could help improve blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study included 20 free-living individuals with Type 2 diabetes. During the study period, the participants drank 1,500 ml of either water or oolong tea for 30 days. At the end of the study, the researchers noted a significant decrease in blood glucose levels when the participants included oolong tea in their diets.
Considerations
If you're having difficulty controlling your blood sugars with diet and medication alone, you may want to consider adding oolong tea to your daily regimen. However, while the oolong tea may help you better manage your blood sugars, it is not a cure and you still need to follow your diet and medication plan as outlined by your physician and dietitian.
