A study in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care journal reported that green tea consumption reduced mortality risk from type 2 diabetes. The findings indicated that drinking four or more cups of tea and two or more cups of coffee daily reduced the mortality risk by 63% over five years.
Type 2 diabetes heightens the risk of diseases like dementia, cancer, heart disease, and neuropathy. While various pharmaceuticals are available for diabetes treatment, lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are still highly recommended by physicians.
Numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits of green tea and coffee, attributing them to their high antioxidant content. Yet, there has been limited research focusing on the impact of these beverages on individuals with diabetes. This study examined the separate and combined effects of green tea and coffee on the mortality rates of diabetic patients.
In the green tea study, researchers monitored 4,923 Japanese individuals with an average age of 66, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, over approximately five years. These individuals were part of The Fukuoka Diabetes Registry, which evaluates the effects of medication and lifestyle interventions on the longevity of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Participants completed a 58-item questionnaire on food and drink intake, including their consumption of green tea and coffee, and provided details on other lifestyle aspects such as exercise habits, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep quality/duration.
Researchers measured participants' height, weight, and blood pressure, and took blood and urine samples to assess additional risk factors. The data showed that 607 participants did not drink green tea; 1143 drank one cup daily; 1384 consumed 2-3 cups, and 1784 drank four or more cups. Regarding coffee, 994 participants did not consume it, 1306 drank up to one cup daily, 963 consumed exactly one cup per day, and 1660 drank two or more cups.
Throughout the study, 309 individuals (218 men and 91 women) died, primarily from cancer (114) and cardiovascular diseases (76). Those who drank either beverage had a lower all-cause mortality risk than non-drinkers. Consuming the highest amounts of tea and coffee correlated with the lowest risk of premature death. Drinking up to one cup of green tea daily was associated with a 15% reduced death risk.
Individuals drinking 2-3 cups of tea daily had a 27% lower mortality risk, while those consuming four or more cups had a 40% lower risk. Coffee drinkers had a 12% reduced death risk when consuming up to one cup daily. Drinking at least one cup a day was linked to a 19% lower risk, and consuming two or more cups reduced the risk by 41%.
Consuming both tea and coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of premature death from type 2 diabetes.
Individuals who consumed both green tea and coffee daily experienced the greatest benefits. They had a 51% reduced risk of premature death with 2-3 cups of green tea and at least 2 cups of coffee. A daily intake of 4 or more cups of tea and 1 cup of coffee was associated with a 58% reduced risk. The risk decreased to 63% for those consuming 4 or more cups of tea and 2 or more cups of coffee each day.
Study Disclaimers
The researchers cannot establish a direct causal relationship between tea and coffee consumption and a reduced mortality risk from type 2 diabetes due to the observational nature of the study. The reliance on self-reported data for tea and coffee intake could have influenced the outcomes.
Additionally, the study did not consider other potential influencing factors such as household income or educational levels. It's also important to note that the green tea consumed in Japan may differ from that available in other regions of the world.
Future research is necessary to further understand the biological mechanisms behind the observed results. Nonetheless, the rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may account for its benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Green tea contains phenols and theanine, potent anti-inflammatories, along with antioxidants such as EGCG, which help prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation. Additionally, its high caffeine content can enhance brain function.
Coffee, too, is abundant in bioactive compounds including phenols, and its significant caffeine content may contribute to an anti-inflammatory effect that alleviates type 2 diabetes symptoms. Coffee boosts metabolism, provides small quantities of B vitamins, and may offer protection against liver disease. Although excessive consumption can affect the nervous and circulatory systems, moderate intake generally yields positive effects.
Green tea and coffee are commonly consumed for their stimulating effects on concentration. However, their array of other health benefits makes them valuable additions to one's daily regimen. Coffee not only guards against disease but also promotes happiness by elevating dopamine levels. Thus, for those seeking motivation to rise in the morning, coffee can reliably jumpstart the day and elevate one's mood.
It also provides the following benefits, according to a study:
Regular coffee drinkers are 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Drinking two cups daily can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 20%. Similarly, two cups a day can lower the chance of developing cirrhosis by 80%. Consuming two cups daily may also halve the risk of gallstones. A significant study indicated that green tea drinkers have a substantially reduced risk of dying from type 2 diabetes.
The lowest mortality risk from diabetes was observed in those who drank both green tea and coffee daily. The presence of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, is believed to contribute significantly to their health-protective effects. Further research aims to explore the relationship between green tea, coffee, and diabetes more deeply.
