Making a small change to your daily cup of tea could significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to NHS GP Dr Radha Modgil. She advises gradually reducing the amount of sugar in tea until it is eliminated entirely, warning that sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr Modgil, who herself used to add three sugars to her tea during stressful periods, recommends black tea, water, or diluted squash as healthier alternatives. She emphasises that small, sustainable swaps are more effective than drastic New Year's resolutions.
Beyond tea, Dr Modgil suggests focusing on balanced eating rather than extreme diets. She advocates for consuming at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, which can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Managing stress is also key to healthier choices, as emotional states often trigger cravings for high-sugar and high-fat foods. Dr Modgil advises taking a step back before eating and preparing healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables to replace crisps and chocolate.
Following the NHS Eatwell Guide, she recommends a diet comprising one-third fruits and vegetables, one-third high-fibre starchy foods, and the remainder lean protein and dairy, with limited consumption of cakes, biscuits, and sugary drinks. Staying hydrated, as the brain is 80 per cent water, is another simple step to improve wellbeing.
