Red wine and tea may help regulate blood sugar in patients with type II diabetes, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and published in the journal of Food Biochemistry.

"Red wine and tea contain natural antioxidants that may slow the passage of glucose through the small intestine and eventually into the bloodstream and prevent this spike, which is an important step in managing this disease." said Kalidas Shetty, co-author of the study.

Getting blood sugar under control is one important goal in diabetes management to reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and other damages to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.

Red Wine and Enzymes

Researchers found that red wine inhibited a 100%, the enzyme responsible for triggering the absorption of glucose by the small intestine. In comparison, white wine inhibited the enzyme by 20%.

This enzyme is a target for current drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Shetty and his team attributed the effect to polyphenolics in red wine. "Our testing showed that red wine contains roughly ten times more polyphenolics than white wine," he added.

Tea and Enzymes

The researchers also tested four teas including black, oolong, white and green tea. Water extracts of black tea was found most effective in inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, followed by white tea and oolong tea.

Wine and tea had no effect on the pancreatic enzyme that breaks down starch. Patients can avoid side effects of medication used to control blood sugar.

Shetty and his team at the department of food science conducted the study as part of a larger initiative to examine the benefits of a diverse diet filled with fresh and healthy, locally available ingredients. Current type II diabetes medication to regulate blood sugar has side effects that include intestinal issues.

The medication induces improper regulation of pancreatic enzymes, which may cause cramping, flatulence and diarrhea. Shetty and fellow scientists Young-In Kwon and Emmanouil Apostolidis said that alternative therapies, such as dietary management, may offer a solution with no uncomfortable side effects.

Other benefits of wine and tea

Polyphenolics in wine and tea protect against additional complications of diabetes such as high blood pressure and heart disease. The natural antioxidants in wine and tea can neutralize free radicals, which are known risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer.

"These results provide strong evidence for further studying the use of wine and tea to manage some stages of type 2 diabetes using animal models and clinical studies, and point to the importance of an antioxidant-rich diet as part of an overall management strategy," said Shetty.

Authors of the study issue the customary warning that more research is required before one can come to an un-debatable conclusion.

Shetty says that red wine as a type II diabetes therapy is still in the distant future as it is difficult to create a daily dosage recommendation for the general population based on one study. "I would not suggest drinking red wine to solve a problem all on its own," he said. "I would suggest one to two glasses of red wine daily plus four to five glasses of tea and a range of choices of whole foods," in order to consume optimal levels of phenols.

Source: Food Consumer