Introduction
Controlling blood sugar levels requires looking beyond food alone and considering beverages you drink as well. While sweet drinks such as soda and fruit juice mixes should generally be avoided, other beverages could have an effect on metabolic functions that could help increase control over blood sugar. Read up on six alternative solutions that could lead to better control.
- Hydration With Water
Water can help control blood sugar levels since it’s both calorie-free and hydrating. In fact, according to a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published by Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, drinking water without added sugar was associated with a 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, increasing your blood volume helps release an amino acid which controls your blood sugar. If you prefer something flavored like Strawberry Lime Basil Infused Water might also work!
- Advantages of Coffee
Studies published in Nutrients show that regular coffee consumption, whether caffeinated or not, can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee’s phytochemicals support healthy liver and pancreatic cells while simultaneously controlling fat liver accumulation and maintaining insulin function as a control for blood sugar levels. For maximum benefit ensure that you use minimal sweeteners; instead consider brewing your cup using cinnamon to enhance flavor!
- Blood-Sugar-Friendly Black Tea
If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, try black tea instead. A review published in 2019 of Antioxidants found that its compounds could increase insulin resistance, decrease inflammation, and oxidative stress – with Oolong and Black Tea producing some of the best results when it comes to managing blood sugar. When drinking your beverage without honey or sugar added try sugar-free alternatives like Chai-based blends; alternatively try Raspberry Iced Tea made from black Tea as an iced beverage option!
- Green Tea’s Potential Benefits
Green tea was found to have a mild impact on reducing glucose levels in blood, according to an analysis of a meta-analysis in 2020 published in Nutrition and Metabolism. Green tea’s catechins may reduce absorption of carbs during digestion, increase metabolism of glucose and decrease effects of oxidative stress – though not all studies have proven its efficacy; nevertheless green tea offers a calorie-free and sugar-free choice that could contribute to maintaining normal levels of blood glucose.
- Milk’s Benefits:
mes According to an article published by Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, casein and whey proteins found in milk have been proven to lower post-meal blood glucose levels by slowing digestion and increasing insulin response, providing beneficial effects for blood sugar management. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk when selecting this option and make note of its carbohydrate content (approximately 12 grams in one cup of 1% milk); adjust intake according to diabetes diagnosis accordingly.
- Tomato Juice’s benefits:
For an indulging beverage that also helps manage blood sugar, tomato juice may be an ideal solution. A recent small-scale study published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that drinking 7 ounces of tomato juice before eating meals high in carbohydrates led to lower blood sugar than sipping on just plain water alone. Tomato fiber helps slow digestion and avoid sudden spikes. You could add celery spears for extra texture or try Tomato-Vegetable Juice as an all-in-one healthy beverage solution!
Additional tips for controlling blood sugar
Along with choosing safe beverages to manage blood sugars efficiently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offer some tips to assist in effectively controlling them:
- Be sure to stick to your regular snack and meal times in order to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Include exercise into your daily schedule as it aids the absorption of glucose. Physical activity helps boost metabolism.
- Try eating meals that contain carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats to minimise blood sugar reactions.
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