Chamomile tea may have anti-diabetes properties, study suggests
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Chamomile tea may help fight diabetes and its complications, a research study conducted in the United Kingdom suggests. The study concluded that certain properties in chamomile may help lower blood sugar levels and may help in preventing complications arising from the condition.
Chamomile tea is one the world's most popular herbal infusions. It is often used to help aid in relaxation and induce a calm and restful sleep. It is likewise used as a mild laxative and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities.
Chamomile tea is usually made by placing a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers into a cup of newly-boiled water. It is then left to stand for about ten minutes while being covered. |
 Scientists from the University of Toyama in Japan and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in the UK conducted a 21-day study among diabetic rats to determine if chamomile has any positive effects on them.
Chamomile extract was added to the food of a group of these rats while none was added to the diet of another group of diabetic rats. After 21 days, the researchers compared these two groups and the results were as follows:
The rats that received the chamomile extract showed a notable decline in blood glucose levels compared to those that received the normal diet. The production of sugar in their livers appears to have been inhibited.
Furthermore, the activities of a particular enzyme seem to have been blocked in the rats that were given the chamomile extract. This enzyme, called aldose reductase , was found to have a role in the onset of diabetic complications such as cataracts, retinal damage, kidney damage and nerve damage.
The aldose reductase enzyme helps convert glucose into a sugar alcohol called sorbitol.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes see an increase in the activity of this enzyme as glucose levels in the blood increase.
Unfortunately, the sorbitol does not move smoothly and easily across cell membranes. As such, it can be stored in excess quantity, particularly in the eye, the nerve cells and kidneys, where it can cause serious damage.
While diabetics may find it easy to get into a state of euphoria because of these findings, officials from the charity Diabetes UK cautioned patients from acting on these prematurely.
The charity emphasized that "More research would be needed before we can come to any firm conclusions about the role chamomile tea plays in fighting diabetes-related complications. Diabetes UK wouldn't recommend people with diabetes increase their chamomile tea intake just yet."
The statement added that eating a healthy balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and adhering to prescribed medicines are still the important methods by which blood glucose levels, blood pressure and blood fats may be effectively controlled.
Still, the researchers from the institutions that conducted the study said the findings clearly suggested that daily consumption of chamomile tea with meals may indeed contribute to the prevention of the development of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications.
They added that these findings may further lead to the development of a new chamomile-based drug that would help type 2 diabetes patients all over the world. |
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Chamomile Tea Benefits Trivia:
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Chamomile tea is probably the most popular herbal remedy drink that people use to help them relax and sleep? Its reputed sedative properties also make it a popular choice for those that want to combat anxiety. Find out which other teas and tisanes are good for insomnia and sleeplessness. Chamomile Tea is rich in the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin is a phytochemical that gives color to fruits and vegetables. As it is known to help fight damage caused by free radicals, it is a great ally against cancer. Chamomile has high levels of the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a major role in many of the chemical processes going on inside the human body. A lack of phosphorus is associated with lethargy and bone weakness, among others. Chamomile tea is very rich in the amino acid glycine. It plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Sweet to the taste, glycine has the simplest chemical structure among the amino acids. Chamomile tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties. The abundance of antioxidants within the chamomile plant helps subdue inflammation and is therefore a good ally in fighting pains associated with arthritis and rheumatism, among. The quality of the water used to make chamomile tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the tisane. Chamomile tea made with pure water yield a clean, mild flavor and a drink that is aesthetically pleasant. Learn more about the health benefits of water here.
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