In lots of different cultures, particularly in South Asia, drinking tea with biscuits is a cherished routine that takes place a number of times a day. Although this may be a relatively harmless routine, over a long period, it can cause health consequences, including the potential risk of type 2 diabetes.
What’s in a Biscuit? High Sugar, High Risk
Most commercially produced biscuits contain a lot of refined flour, sugar, and fat. These components have a high glycemic index, which causes a spike in blood sugar levels immediately after ingesting them. When you pair with tea that is often sweetened with more sugar, you double up on simple carbohydrates, which stresses the pancreas even more to release more insulin.
How Sugar Spikes Lead to Diabetes
Repeated peaks in blood sugar levels can eventually lead to insulin resistance, which is one of the main reasons for developing type 2 diabetes. And, some biscuits, along with tea with added sweetness, may contain a lot of calories, which is a risk factor in and of itself, associated with weight gain.
More Than Just Calories: The Weight Gain Factor
Even if you are enjoying this snack infrequently, it can be hard to justify not taking that second or third serving, given how tasty they are, and because they are a socially accepted and culturally normalized consumption. If you engage in this habit without reflection, it can feel insignificant; however, the meaning of all those small niggling habits becoming regular habits is detrimental.
Health practitioners recommend substituting sweet biscuits for more nutritious alternatives, such as nuts, whole grain crackers, or fruit, and less sweet or unsweetened tea.
Your Diet Today Shapes Your Tomorrow
The better you can be about diet change today, the better future you are investing in when it comes to your health. Regulating the amount of biscuits consumed without factor and controlling the sugar consumption from daily tea time snacks is a positive step towards regulating blood sugar levels and improving overall health.
