Chili peppers are commonly used as a spice due to their ability to improve the taste of any meal with their hot flavor. They can be cooked or powdered and dried.

Aside from being good for the heart, chili peppers can also help lower down one’s risk of developing high levels of blood sugar, which is a common symptom of Type 2 Diabetes.

There are hundreds of different types of chili peppers found in most supermarkets. Some of the most popular types are Cayenne, habanero, chipotle, jalapeño, Anaheim, and ancho. Chili peppers contain an active ingredient known as capsaicin; a compound that may help regulate blood glucose levels.

Results of a 2006 study revealed that participants who had eaten a cayenne-containing meal had lower blood glucose levels as well as lower blood insulin levels. Researchers concluded that it may help in improving the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, and less insulin will be required to effectively move glucose from the blood to tissues.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers have found that adding chili pepper to a meal can help in having the right amount of insulin to reduce blood sugar levels.

Aside from this, chili peppers are also rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants that all help in the regulation of insulin.

How To Benefit From Chili Peppers?

We can cook with chili powder, curry, and chili peppers to add bold flavor to our everyday meals. According to experts, adding a total of three tablespoons of chili pepper to meals every day can help manage insulin and blood sugar spikes after meals.

Besides adding a zesty kick to one’s dishes, chilies also offer other health benefits to our body and this includes the following:

Fights inflammation – Its capsaicin content can help treat sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy.

Clears congestion – Its peppery heat can stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed-up nose or congested lungs.

Boosts immunity – Chili peppers have high levels of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A, which is often called the anti-infection vitamin and is essential for healthy mucous membranes and serve as the body’s first line of defense against invading pathogens.