Green Tea Benefits Blood Sugar

Previously, a number of studies suggest a beneficial effect for green tea on glucose control and insulin sensitivity.  K. Liu, from the Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (China), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 17 randomized control trials involving a total of 1133 subjects.  Data revealed that green tea consumption associated with significantly lower blood sugar levels during fasting, and lower blood concentrations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) – a marker of chronic excess glucose in the blood.  Further analysis showed that green tea consumption reduced fasting insulin levels.  The study authors conclude that: “This meta-analysis suggested that green tea had favorable effects, ie, decreased fasting glucose and [hemoglobin A1c] concentrations … [and] significant reduction in fasting insulin concentrations.”