Diabetes is a chronic disease causing high blood glucose levels due to your body's inability to utilize or produce insulin efficiently. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2, which usually surfaces in adulthood and is seen significantly in those who are grossly overweight or obese. Type 1 diabetes begins in childhood, and the exact cause is unknown, although genetics, autoimmune disease and viruses may play a role. Consuming capsaicin, the active ingredient that gives chili peppers their spice, may be beneficial for diabetics. Although promising evidence for capsaicin's effect on diabetics exists, there is a lack of substantial clinical studies to illustrate the long-term effects of this compound. You should always consult your physician prior to use.
Step 1
Sprinkle approximately 1 g of red pepper, such as cayenne, in a glass of tomato juice. Do this 30 minutes prior to each meal. According to a June 2005 study published in the "International Journal of Obesity," both obese men and women exhibited a significant increase in satiety and energy and reduced fat intake due to capsaicin. Since obesity and excess weight are commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes, adding a small amount of hot pepper flakes may help to control overeating.
Step 2
Take two cayenne pepper capsules, which equal about 0.9 g, if you prefer to skip the spiciness. A 2001 study published in "Phytotherapy Research" found that capsaicin reduced blood glucose levels and increased insulin secretion in dog models. Although this evidence shows promise in the effects of capsaicin, further research is warranted, especially in human clinical trials.
Step 3
Spice up your food. Add cayenne pepper to your meals regularly. A 2009 study published in "The Journal of Immunology" found that capsaicin injected into Type 1 diabetic mice counteracted the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas, which is the organ that the body may attack due to the disease. However, the pancreas also excretes neuropeptides that are instrumental in the proper functioning of the pancreas, which capsaicin may help to restore.
Step 4
Turn up the heat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or other hot pepper of your choice in your tea, hot dishes or any meal of choice to fight fat-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease and high blood pressure -- all associated conditions of diabetes. According to a 2010 article published in the "Journal of Proteome Research," overweight lab rats treated with capsaicin showed an 8 percent loss of body weight with at least 20 altered proteins that work to break down fats. Nonetheless, more human studies are necessary despite this promising evidence.
Tips and Warnings
- Capsaicin is present in all chili peppers, so you can substitute types depending on your preference. Green chilies, jalapenos and habaneros are suitable selections. The hotter the chili, the more potent the capsaicin content. Opt to use the capsule form of the dried chili pepper if you can't tolerate the intensity.
- Always consult your physician before making changes to your diet. Only you and your doctor can outline food allowances based on your condition.
References
- PubMed Health: Diabetes
- "International Journal of Obesity"; Sensory and Gastrointestinal Satiety Effects of Capsaicin on Food Intake; M.S. Westerterp-Plantenga, et al.; June 2005
- "Phytotherapy Research"; The Effect of Capsaicin on Blood Glucose, Plasma Insulin Levels and Insulin Binding in Dog Models; I. Tolan, et al.; August 2001
- "The Journal of Immunology"; The VR1 Ligand Capsaicin Confers Protection From Autoimmune Diabetes by Suppressing Autoreactive T Cells in an APC Dependent Manner; Erin Nevius, et al.; 2009
- ScienceDaily; New Evidence That Chili Pepper Ingredient Fights Fat; June 3, 2010
- "Diabetes -- No More"; Andreas Moritz; 2006
