Red wine and tea have demonstrated to offer several health benefits, including improved heart health and providing the body with large amounts of antioxidants. Recently, red wine and tea have also been shown to regulate blood glucose levels in those diagnosed with type two diabetes.
Blood sugar levels of people with diabetes tend to increase dramatically immediately following a meal, making it difficult to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of long-term damage, including heart disease, kidney damage and problems with the nervous system. The natural ingredients and antioxidants in red wine and tea seems to slow the absorption of sugar into the intestines and blood stream; this slowed absorption rate decreased dangerous and unwanted blood sugar spikes – which is the ultimate goal of managing diabetes.
When testing exactly how efficient these beverages were in preventing absorption, Researchers from the University of Massachusetts found that red wine blocked the function of the key enzyme responsible for absorption of sugar in the intestines by 100% (white wine blocked absorption by around 20%).
Various teas, including black, white and green varieties, also showed encouraging results; black tea being most effective among the teas studied. The results of this study led to the conclusion that polyphenols, an antioxidant found in red wine, tea and several plants, is effective in slowing the absorption of sugar and carbohydrates into the bloodstream.
In addition, and unlike current medications used to treat diabetes, the components found in red wine and tea demonstrated no effect on the important pancreatic enzymes that break down important starches. Currently, many of the prescribed diabetes drugs interfere with the production of this important enzyme, leading to the fermentation of unwanted bacteria in the digestive system; this often leads to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Regardless of the treatment being used, the digestive system will benefit from a high-quality probiotic.
These findings are not an endorsement to start drinking, or increase the current consumption, of red wine; rather an indication that the natural, plant-based polyphenols found in red wine and tea have demonstrated to be effective in slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which lowers insulin resistance and may avoid blood sugar spikes. These findings appear to be more effective when combined with a healthy diet and sensible exercise routine.