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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Will green tea capsules help me improve my blood sugar levels?

I drink one cup of green tea daily. I am wondering if taking green tea capsules would give me much more of the health benefits of green tea. Is one cup daily enough to improve blood sugar levels?

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Green TeaGreen tea does appear to be good for you. There's no great evidence that green tea can help control blood sugar. In fact, a recent research article showed that drinking green tea with breakfast had no effect on blood sugars up to two hours later.

Drinking green tea regularly might help you lose weight and there is some evidence that it may help with your memory over time. That said, we just don't have compelling evidence that it is the panacea that some think it is.

Green tea extracts have, however, been shown to be very dangerous. There are multiple reports of many different health issues including fulminant liver failure and death.

Yes, you read that correctly. Death from green tea extracts.

The supplement industry is filled with people who do not have your best interests at heart. There are virtually no such pills that anyone should be taking and everyone should check with a medical doctor prior to taking ANY supplements.

Enjoy your green tea. It might be good for you but even if not, it tastes great.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet