Starchy foods tend to increase blood sugar levelsand constitute the main type of sugar found in the blood.
This is due to the high content of carbohydrates that contain starchy foods. Carbohydrates quickly break down into glucose (blood sugar), causing levels to skyrocket.
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Normally, the hormone insulin regulates this rise in blood sugar after eating. However, people with diabetes are deprived of this mechanism.
As a result, people with diabetes they must find alternative means to counteract the rise in blood sugar levels in blood after eating.
Fortunately, specific dietary choices have been shown to counteract spikes in blood sugar after eating.
It has been shown that the consumption of black tea produces this favorable effect.
The researchers of one study noted that «only a few studies have examined the effects of black tea on postprandial glycemic control after consuming starchy foods«.
Postprandial glycemic control is related to the control of blood sugar levels two hours after eating.
The researchers sought to remedy this by investigating the effects that black tea consumption has on post-meal blood sugar levels in healthy humans.
They also sought to identify the components of black tea that contribute to this effect.
Healthy Japanese adults ingested 200 ml of black tea and its effect on blood sugar and insulin levels after meals was investigated.
The researchers found that drinking black tea after eating cooked rice «significantly» lowered glucose (blood sugar) and insulin compared to the placebo drink.
They attributed this effect in part to polyphenols, micronutrients found in tea.
General Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar
As a general rule, you should go easy on foods that rank high on the glycemic index (GI).
GI is a classification system for foods that contain carbohydrates. It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.
Carbohydrates that your body breaks down quickly and cause a rapid rise in blood glucose have a high GI index.
High GI foods include:
- Sugar and sugary foods
- Sugary drinks
- White bread
- Potatoes
- White rice.
Low or medium GI foods break down more slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time.
They include some fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole foods, such as porridge.
Type 2 diabetes: symptoms to watch for
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realizing it. This is because the symptoms do not necessarily make you feel bad.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- urinating more than usual, especially at night
- being thirsty all the time
- feeling very tired
- lose weight without trying
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeated canker sores
- Cuts or wounds that take longer to heal
- Blurry vision.
A GP can diagnose type 2 diabetes.
«You will need a blood test, for which you will need to go to your local health center if it cannot be done at your GP’s office,» the NHS explains.