Is it safe to drink coffee while suffering from diabetes? Let’s dig into the topic and see what experts say regarding the impact of coffee on people with type 2 diabetes.
Who does not enjoy starting the day with a fresh cup of delicious coffee? The soothing power of caffeine helps us overcome the morning blues. Can people with type 2 diabetes enjoy coffee like everyone else? Those who struggle with blood sugar levels may have questions in their minds about whether drinking coffee could help. The answer is that coffee includes compounds other than caffeine that may benefit diabetics. But let’s take a closer look at whether coffee is healthy for diabetes.
Is coffee good for you?
Coffee contains a large number of compounds, including caffeine and polyphenols, which all have various effects on the body. Polyphenols are chemicals that enhance antioxidant qualities and elements that are known to combat free radicals caused by oxidative stress in the body. These free radicals can increase the chance of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
According to experts, coffee contains antioxidants that can help prevent inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been related to diabetes and its complications. In addition, antioxidants help to keep the heart healthy. People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, and consuming an antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce that risk.
Coffee is also known to contain minerals such as magnesium and chromium. Increasing magnesium consumption can help reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite this, coffee contains these nutrients in extremely low amounts as compared to other foods; thus, people cannot rely solely on coffee for their daily vitamin or mineral consumption. According to the study, drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day can be alright to reduce a person’s chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes. A 2013 study found that people who increased their coffee consumption by more than one cup per day over four years had an 11% lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes than those who maintained their usual coffee intake. There was another study stating people who cut their coffee intake by more than one cup per day had a 17% higher chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes.
Coffee’s effect on blood glucose and insulin levels
Plain coffee may not cause a surge in blood sugar or glucose levels. This makes coffee beneficial for diabetics who enjoy black coffee. However, according to research, caffeine in coffee might reduce insulin sensitivity, making it an unsuitable choice for diabetics. However, coffee includes bioactive substances such as chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, chromium, and magnesium, which may increase glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by counteracting the effects of caffeine, according to the expert.
So, if you’re wondering which coffee is better for diabetes, let us elaborate. Diabetics can drink decaffeinated coffee to maximize the benefits of its other components, such as antioxidants and minerals, while avoiding the danger of insulin sensitivity.
Is caffeine harmful?
Caffeine is the most powerful stimulant in coffee. It spontaneously develops in coffee beans and green tea. Caffeine affects the central nervous system, increasing mental alertness, reducing exhaustion, and improving focus. Although there is no data on people with diabetes and its conflicts, it is still recommended that you consult your healthcare expert before increasing the portion of your everyday coffee intake. Moreover, it is also necessary to understand how much coffee is safe for everyday consumption.
Coffee’s benefits can be nullified if it is consumed with excessive sugar, other flavor syrups, or full-fat dairy products. These additions to coffee can significantly increase calorie consumption and impair blood sugar regulation. According to experts, it is essential for diabetics to monitor their responses to coffee and avoid coffee-laden additions.
Please Note: Healing Pharma does not endorse or advise the consumption of coffee in any form or amount. Before adding any new items to your diet, even in limited quantities, it’s essential to consult with your dietitian or healthcare professional.
