Green tea can treat diabetes, ageing, and the right way to prepare it – Times of India

Green tea has long been deemed as a rich source of antioxidants with a potential to fight several diseases. As per a latest report, scientists have found that it can also help treat diabetes, coronavirus infection and signs of ageing. A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal have in a review identified the biomolecular relationships between Covid-19, ageing, and diabetes-19. (image credits- istock)

The review, published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, presented that existing drugs used to treat diabetes, obesity and ageing can potentially be used to treat Covid-19. Similar naturally existing biomolecules were also explored in combination for the Covid treatment. "There are classes of compounds such as polyphenols found in plant-based food, curcumin (found in turmeric), and resveratrol (found in grapes), have been shown to not only slow down the ageing process, but also possess anti-viral properties," said Dr. Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist, and CEO of Innovation and Incubation Center for Entrepreneurship (IICE), IISER Bhopal, in a statement. (image credits- istock)

Some other polyphenols that the researchers have identified as being useful for both Covid-19 treatment and comorbidity conditions such as diabetes and ageing may include catechins (present in green tea, cocoa and berries), procyanidins (found in apples, cinnamon and grape skin), and theaflavin (found in black tea). The researchers also present evidence of some existing potential anti-ageing drugs such as Rapamycin that can be explored for the Covid-19 treatment because of the common biochemical pathways associated with these diseases. Another such example is a drug Metformin , which is usually used to control blood sugar. (image credits- istock)

The review showed that at the molecular level, there are intersecting pathways that are common to diabetes, ageing, and Covid-19. All three conditions are associated with oxidative stress and lowering of the immune response and complications arising from them lead to the onset of numerous other diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, eye diseases, neuropathy (nerve diseases), and nephropathy (kidney problems). The researchers believe that an ideal therapeutic candidate for Covid-19 should be able to target the pathways that are common to diabetes, ageing and the SARS-CoV-2 infection. (image credits- istock)

Further, computational studies showed that lipids present in cell membranes play an important role in coronavirus infectivity. Natural compounds such as polyphenols may affect the binding of the virus to host receptors and the molecular interactions required for virus replication and release, thereby stopping the infection in its early stages, the team explained. (image credits- istock)

Whole green tea leaves that are organically procured have the maximum amount of antioxidants and the best way to prepare it is to steep it well and not add any sugar or sweetening agent to it.

Ingredients:

1 tsp green tea leaves, 1 cup water and 1/4 tsp organic cinnamon powder.

Method:

Heat water till it reaches boiling point. Switch off the gas. Add green tea leaves and cover. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Warm the water for 1 minute and strain. Add some organic cinnamon powder for added benefit. You can also make green tea without it. (image credits- istock)

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Green tea can treat diabetes, ageing, and the right way to prepare it - Times of India