Though more studies are needed, laboratory models suggest this herbal tea, which is made from the leaves of a shrub grown in South Africa, may be beneficial for weight loss.

And weight loss is a key factor in helping people with prediabetes delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes,research shows. Those study authors also concluded that weight loss could help people who already had type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar, and potentially reduce the progression of the disease.

One laboratory study, for example, found that rooibos may help halt fat cell formation, which researchers said could play a role in obesity prevention.

In addition, rooibos tea contains a plant compound called aspalathin, which has glucose-lowering properties, researchers suggested, in astudy published in May 2019 in the journalPLoS One. The study, done in a laboratory setting, further found that the compound may help reverse metabolic disease-associated complications. Metabolic disease or metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions like excess body fat around the waist and high blood sugar, that increase your risk for heart disease and stroke as well as type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Past research on mice with type 2 diabetes found that aspalathin helped improve glucose intolerance and may be beneficial in helping control blood sugar for type 2 diabetes. Plus, one study on humans found that drinking rooibos tea helped lower LDL bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels (though study participants needed to drink six cups a day, which may not be reasonable for everyone).

When shopping for teas, know this: Just because that ingredient is included in a small amount in a tea bag, it doesnt mean the amount is enough to have those same benefits, says Stefanski.

Also, beware of teas that tout weight loss on the packaging. Some specialty teas claiming to produce weight loss or reduce bloating can contain ingredients that increase urination, cause your colon to spasm, or lead to diarrhea, Stefanski says, for example, senna leaf or parsley tea. Those side effects arent ideal by any means for people who are looking to improve their health.

RELATED: 7 Surprising Things That Affect Weight When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

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7 Best Teas for People With Diabetes - Everyday Health