In the fast pacing life, we might not be able to resist the tempting junk food, but we can surely keep a check on gaining extra weight by drinking tea regularly.

Researchers from Kobe University, China have found that regular consumption of tea can prevent type 2 diabetes [Also called non-insulin dependent diabetes; a condition in which the pancreas produces so little insulin that the body cannot use the blood glucose as energy; can often be controlled through meal plans and physical activity plans, and diabetes pills or insulin.] by suppressing the damaging changes in blood due to unhealthy, fatty foods, the Daily Mail reported.

Hitherto studies have already linked drinking tea to lowering heart diseases, different types of cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] , and Parkinson's disease.

The present study, conducted on mice, reveals that both green tea and black tea are effective in checking the extra weight gained due to guzzling and gorging on junk food.

Study details and findings:

To reach this conclusion, the research team conducted a trial on laboratory mice. While some mice were fed on a high fat diet, others were given a normal diet.

Each of the two groups were then given water, black tea, and green tea for a period of 14 weeks.

It was found that both the kinds of tea were effective in suppressing weight gain and belly bulge due to fatty foods.

But interestingly, black tea was found to avert the harmful effects on blood due to consumption of high-fat diet like increased cholesterol and high blood glucose levels, insulin [a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin affects the amount of glucose absorbed by the liver.] resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes where the body is unable to efficiently use the insulin it produces.

Dr Carrie Ruxton from the industry backed Tea Advisory Panel, said, "This study is good news for tea drinkers, particularly those who drink black tea.

"Though the findings need to be confirmed in human studies, this study found that tea helped to prevent weight gain and adverse changes in blood glucose, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and lipid regulation evoked by a high fat diet."

"Black tea had particularly favourable effects on blood cholesterol and insulin resistance," Ruxton added.