Tea has long been heralded for its antioxidant content that promotes heart health and may reduce cancer risk, but new research suggests that the drink — black tea, in particular  — may also help control blood sugar. Studies from different countries suggest that a lifetime consumption of at least two to four cups of tea per day reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Jo Ann Carson, professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said that while the scientific evidence on tea’s health benefits is limited, all teas  — green, white, black and oolong — can be part of a healthy diet.

But what if you prefer the ice-cold, sugar-laden tea popular in the South? 

Dr. Carson says you have two choices: Learn to enjoy iced tea with little or no sugar, or drink sugared iced tea in moderation, generally once a day or less.

Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.

November in National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Media Contact: Kristen Holland Shear


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