Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea boasting many benefits. Many people drink chamomile tea to help calm and relax them before bedtime. Women may drink it to help relieve menstrual cramps, while others drink it to boost their immune system and fight colds. People with Diabetes may benefit from the powers of chamomile as well.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveals chamomile can reduce blood sugar levels in those with Diabetes.
In the study, Japanese and British researchers gave one group of diabetic rats a chamomile extract for 21 days, while the other group of rats received a placebo. After the trial period, the rats that received the chamomile extract had significantly lower blood glucose levels than those receiving the placebo.
In addition, the chamomile suppressed two enzymes linked to Diabetes complications such as nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) and eye disease (cataracts and diabetic retinopathy). Specifically, chamomile helped decrease the amount of glucose turned into sorbitol, a sugar alcohol which can affect these organs.
According to the researchers, “These results clearly suggested that daily consumption of chamomile tea with meals could contribute to the prevention of the progress of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications.”
Even those who do not have Diabetes can benefit from chamomile’s effects on blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood glucose can cause fatigue, sugar cravings and insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and perhaps Diabetes. Regulating your blood sugar levels can not only help prevent obesity and Diabetes but also help you feel more energetic.
About Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea, also known as manzanilla, is made with dried flowers from the Matricaria chamomilla plant. Although it is included in the FDA’s “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS) list, you should check with your doctor before including chamomile tea, or any other form of the herb, in your diet, as it can have negative side effects in certain people, including women who are pregnant and those with blood clotting issues.
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