Advertisements
Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is essential to prevent health complications related to diabetes or insulin resistance.
In addition to a balanced diet and exercise, teas can be a natural ally in blood sugar control. Many herbs and spices have beneficial properties that help regulate sugar metabolism.
Advertisements
In this article, you will discover the most popular infusions to help control glucose and you will learn about some applications (apps) that offer tea recipes, thus making it easier to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Advertisements
See also
- Learn to Fight Boxing at Home with These Apps
- Learn Karate at Home with These Apps
- Increase the Volume of your Cell Phone to the Maximum with These Apps
- Ashwagandha tea
- Learn to Dance Zumba at Home
Why do teas help control glucose?
Teas and infusions use plant parts (leaves, flowers, seeds or roots) rich in bioactive compounds. Many of these compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids or alkaloids, can contribute to:
- Improve insulin sensitivity: They promote the absorption of glucose by cells.
- Decrease carbohydrate absorption: Some plants slow down digestion and the release of sugars into the bloodstream.
- Provide antioxidants: They reduce cellular damage and inflammation, aspects that can directly affect blood sugar regulation.
Still, it is important to remember that these infusions should be considered a complement to a healthy lifestyle and not a substitute for medical treatments indicated for conditions such as diabetes.
Most recommended infusions for glycemic control
Below are some of the most popular infusions that have been studied for their positive effects on regulating blood sugar:
Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, associated with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased postprandial glucose spikes.
- Preparation: Add a cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon) to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes and strain before drinking.
- Advice: Prefer Ceylon cinnamon, as it has lower coumarin content than Cassia cinnamon.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may help regulate glucose and support lipid metabolism.
- Preparation: Heat water to about 80°C (before boiling) and add a teaspoon of green tea leaves. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes, strain and drink.
- Advice: Moderate your consumption if you are sensitive to caffeine. The usual amount is 2-3 cups a day.
Fenugreek infusion
Fenugreek seeds have a long tradition in Ayurvedic medicine thanks to their high fiber content and compounds that promote insulin secretion.
- Preparation: Boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion warm.
- Advice: Its taste is slightly bitter. You can sweeten it with stevia or combine it with cinnamon to make it more pleasant.
Hibiscus tea
In addition to its vibrant color, hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) may help regulate blood glucose and promote cardiovascular health.
- Preparation: Boil water, add a tablespoon of dried hibiscus flowers and let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and enjoy hot or cold.
- Advice: Its acidic flavor can be balanced with a little stevia or lemon.
Tips to get the most out of teas
- Avoid refined sweeteners
Adding white sugar or honey in large quantities can counteract the blood sugar-lowering benefits of herbal teas. Opt for natural, calorie-free sweeteners, such as stevia, or enjoy them unsweetened. - Combine with a balanced diet
Teas are an extra support, but they do not replace good eating habits. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and quality proteins to keep blood sugar at bay. - Maintain an active lifestyle
Regular exercise helps cells use glucose better. Walking, running, swimming or doing any moderate physical activity enhances the positive effect of the infusions. - Consult your doctor
If you have already been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, or if you are taking medication, speak to a health professional before incorporating hypoglycemic teas, as they may enhance the effect of certain medications. - Don't overuse herbs
Consuming large amounts of any plant can have side effects. Limit yourself to 2-3 cups a day to get its benefits without overloading your body.
Applications (apps) with tea recipes
In the digital age, there are multiple apps that provide recipes and practical tips for preparing teas and infusions adapted to different needs. Below are some of the most popular ones:
- Tea – Recipes and Infusions
- Available for iOS and Android.
- Specialized in teas and infusions. It has a wide catalog of recipes organized by categories (functional, relaxing, energetic, etc.).
- Cookpad
- Global platform where users share their recipes.
- It includes a section for drinks, where you can find infusions focused on blood sugar control.
- Tastemade
- Known for her short cooking videos, she also dedicates a section to drinks.
- Through video tutorials, it explains step by step how to prepare different herbal and spice infusions.
- Allrecipes
- Contains a large number of international recipes, many of them contributed by the community.
- Allows you to filter by ingredients (for example, cinnamon or fenugreek) to locate specific infusions.
If you want to experiment and create your own herb combinations, these apps will inspire you with new recipes and allow you to read comments and reviews from other users who have tried the preparations.
Integrate tea into your daily routine
For tea to become a true ally in glucose control, it is useful to incorporate it at strategic moments:
- After meals: Helps moderate the sudden increase in blood sugar after eating carbohydrates.
- Between hours: Helps you stay hydrated and reduce the temptation to consume unhealthy snacks.
- Before sleeping: Opt for relaxing caffeine-free infusions (such as hibiscus or fenugreek) to avoid disturbing your sleep.
You can also vary the preparation method:
- Traditional infusion: Boil water, add the plant and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Cold macerated: For hot days, soak herbs in cold water for several hours in the refrigerator.
- Combination with fruits: Add apple pieces or lemon peel for nuances of flavor without upping the sugar count too much.
Final reflection
Blood glucose control is an achievable goal if we combine several pillars: healthy eating, physical activity, regular medical check-ups and, as a reinforcement, the responsible consumption of teas with hypoglycaemic properties. These infusions, in addition to providing nutrients and antioxidants, can be a vehicle for hydration without adding empty calories or added sugars.
In a world where mobile apps make it easy to access creative recipes, it's becoming easier to integrate new herbs and spices into your routine. Explore the many combinations that the world of teas offers and discover flavours that are not only pleasurable, but also contribute to the balance of your metabolism. A cup of tea can be the perfect ally to take the next step towards better health and overall well-being.
