Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD
Fig leaf tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. The leaves of ficus carica are believed to help lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which can help manage diabetes. This blog post will talk about the anti-diabetic properties of fig leaf tea and the steps you should take to start drinking it today!
What is fig leaf tea?
Fig leaf tea is a type of herbal tea made from the fig tree’s leaves. The tea has a sweet and earthy flavor, and it is said to have many health benefits.
Place three to five fig leaves in a small stainless steel pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink the tea after it has boiled for 15 minutes.
It has a pleasant fragrance and can be consumed both hot and cold.
How does fig leaf tea benefit diabetes?
According to recent research, fig leaf tea contains compounds called polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties may help improve the body’s resistance to various diseases, including diabetes.
According to the study published in Pharmaceutical Biology, Fig leaf tea may lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in type-II diabetic patients by inhibiting enzymes responsible for breaking down complex sugars into simpler forms of sugar molecules. This can help reduce hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
It is also rich in minerals, including magnesium and potassium, essential for blood sugar control.
12 Health benefits of fig leaf tea
#1: Lowers blood sugar levels
One of the main benefits of fig leaf tea is that it helps lower blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes, as high blood sugar can cause many health problems.
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The study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that fig leaf tea contains luteolin, an antioxidant flavonoid that helps to reduce inflammation. This compound is also known to improve insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for diabetes prevention or management.
#2: Prevents oxidative stress
Fig leaf decoction may also help prevent oxidative stress, a leading cause of diseases. Drinking this tea regularly can help improve your immune system.
Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry at Annamalai University found that fig leaf tea contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. This can help protect your cells from free radical damage and prevent premature aging.
#3: Maintains healthy cholesterol levels
Fig leaf tea may also help reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is essential for heart health. It contains bioactive compounds called luteolin and apigenin, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for the heart. This can reduce blood pressure by minimizing the formation of fats that are hard to metabolize.
#4: Prevents cancer
Fig leaf extract is also a powerful antioxidant, which can help protect the body against cancer. The polyphenols found in this tea can help neutralize harmful free radicals that can cause damage to cells and DNA. This may help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
#5: Aids in weight loss
Fig leaf tea may also help with weight loss. The polyphenols found in this tea can help increase the body’s metabolism and promote fat burning.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that fig leaf tea may help reduce weight and body fat in obese women. The participants who drank fig leaf tea lost an average of nearly two pounds over 12 weeks without making any other changes to their diet or lifestyle.
#6: Boosts energy
Fig leaf tea is a great source of caffeine, which can give you an energy boost. This tea also contains other nutrients that help to support optimal health.
#7: Reduces inflammation
Drinking fig leaf tea regularly can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is responsible for many chronic diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Science found that fig leaf tea can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes involved with breaking down proteins into sugar molecules called oligosaccharides. This helps prevent the accumulation of harmful inflammatory cells responsible for many chronic diseases.
#8: Improves cognitive function
Fig leaf tea may also improve cognitive function. The polyphenols found in this tea can help protect the brain from damage and keep it functioning properly.
A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that fig leaf tea improved healthy adults’ working memory and reaction time. This suggests that drinking fig leaf tea may help to protect the brain from age-related decline.
#9: Detoxifies the body
Fig leaf tea is also a great detoxifier, which can help remove toxins from the body. The antioxidants found in this tea can help neutralize harmful toxins and keep them from damaging cells.
A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that fig leaf tea contains antioxidants that can help stimulate the liver to produce more enzymes. This helps detoxify and remove harmful chemicals from the body.
How to drink fig leaf tea for diabetes
If you would like to start drinking fig leaf tea for diabetes, here are a few tips:
- Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose over time. This will help your body adjust to the tea.
- If you are taking medication for diabetes, it is important to talk with your doctor before drinking fig leaf tea.
- Fig leaf tea must be prepared properly to get the full benefits. It is recommended that you steep the leaves for fifteen minutes and allow them to cool before drinking. You should also try not to boil it too much since this may destroy some of its natural compounds and nutrients. You can add honey or sweeteners like stevia to taste if you like sweet teas.
- As a dietary supplement, fig leaf tea should be consumed every day for one month and then stopped. In certain individuals, fig latex – the sap from the tree – may cause stomach bleeding when taken in high doses.
If you are looking for a natural way to lower blood sugar and insulin levels, fig leaf tea may be the perfect solution! It is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
By drinking this tea regularly, you may be able to lower blood sugar and insulin levels naturally without medication!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9597370
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28193094
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21214459
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9597370/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23606376/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-HealthProfessional/
