Diabetes is a multifactorial disorder that can lead to a multitude of complications if left untreated. A new research conducted on animal models suggests the possibility of using tea as a form of treatment for the chronic disorder. More specifically, it has been found to prevent the incidence of cataracts, a significant health problem faced by majority of the diabetics worldwide.
Researchers developed special rats with diabetes. This provided a simulation of the health condition in humans. These diabetic rats were then fed green and black tea for a period of three months. Following this, the chemical composition of the blood and eye lenses of the diabetic rats was monitored.At the end of the analysis, the results obtained showed a ray of hope, with both forms of tea effective in inhibiting cataract formation. The rats that belonged to the control group (were not given the tea) did not show any protective effect of the tea. This approximated to less than five cups of tea per day for a human being to observe a similar effect.
In another study conducted on black, green and oolong teas, the popular beverage was found to increase insulin activity by as much as 15 times in the fat cells that was extracted from rats.
The researchers believe that the protective effect of the tea in diabetic individuals could be due to the presence of an active compound found in tea, called epigallocatechin gallate. If the results are proved with conclusive evidence, then we might soon have a simple, relatively inexpensive way of treating diabetes and its related complications.
