6 Drinks to Lower Your Blood Sugar
High blood sugar is a health menace you don’t want to ignore. Why? If left unchecked, it can lead to type 2 diabetes, eye problems, heart disease, and kidney problems. But fear not! I’ve got good news.
You can lower your blood sugar, and it starts with what you drink. Here are six drinks that can help.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is a health elixir. It’s loaded with antioxidants, specifically catechins, that have been shown to lower blood sugar in many studies.
Drinking green tea daily can improve insulin sensitivity and significantly lower blood sugar. You’ll reap these benefits when you make green tea a regular part of your routine.
2. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is a flavorful option that can help you lower your blood sugar.
In fact, cinnamon is known to stimulate insulin activity, which helps decrease blood sugar levels.
Research published in American Diabetes Association journals found that consuming cinnamon regularly could significantly decrease fasting blood glucose levels.
I recommend drinking a cup of cinnamon tea post-dinner for its potential blood sugar-lowering effects.
3. Tomato Juice
Generally speaking, tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Drinking tomato juice has been found to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity due to the presence of lycopene.
Tomatoes’ soluble fiber content is also essential for regulating blood sugar levels.
Advocates suggest that drinking 2.5 cups of tomato juice per day can have a significant impact on your blood sugar levels.
4. Water
Water, the most fundamental of all drinks, plays a vital role in controlling your blood sugar.
Drinking plenty of water is said to help your kidneys flush out excess blood sugar through urine.
Research in Diabetes Care indicated that those who consumed more water had a lower risk of developing high blood sugar.
Make sure you’re drinking at least ten glasses of water per day to keep your hydration and blood sugar in check.
5. Ginger Tea
Ginger, a known anti-inflammatory, also has blood-sugar-lowering properties.
A study conducted in 2017 found that ginger can help reduce fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes.
You can easily make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger in hot water. Adding a squeeze of lemon for a vitamin C boost will make it even more beneficial!
6. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are considered a superfood, mainly due to their antioxidant-rich properties.
Drinking pomegranate juice has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels due to its high polyphenol content.
These compounds help the body process sugar more effectively, keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range.
Remember, these drinks are only a part of the solution. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups with your healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can combine some of these drinks. For instance, adding a slice of lemon to your green tea can enhance its blood sugar-lowering effects.
However, I’d advise against mixing all of them together, as they each have unique benefits and flavors.
The exact amount can vary depending on your personal needs and tolerance. Generally, I recommend starting with one cup of green tea or cinnamon tea, one glass of tomato juice, pomegranate juice, or lemon water, and at least ten glasses of water daily.
While these drinks are generally safe, they may have some side effects if consumed in large amounts. For instance, excessive green tea can lead to caffeine-related side effects, and too much cinnamon could cause liver damage.
Also, while pomegranate juice is healthy, it’s high in sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation. Always remember, balance is key.
While these drinks can help manage blood sugar levels, they should not replace any prescribed medication for diabetes or high blood sugar.
They are best used as a supplement to a balanced diet and regular exercise. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
