3 reasons why bell pepper is good for diabetics

Diabetics have to follow strict diet rules and think twice before putting anything on their plate. And this limits the intake of various fruits and vegetables. However, adding bell pepper, also known as capsicum, to your diet not only controls your blood glucose level but also lowers the risk of various health complications associated with it. Here’s how capsicum helps:

Slows down digestion of carbohydrates and lipids

Anthocyanins present in bell peppers inhibits the activity of two key digestive enzymes – alpha-glucosidase and lipase [1].  The alpha-glucosidase enzyme aids in breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, whereas pancreatic lipase helps in degradation of fats or lips into fatty acids. If the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids is slowed, the concentration of blood sugar and lipids is also reduced, thereby lowering your risk of hyperglycemia and helping you to control your blood glucose level.

Exerts powerful antioxidant activity

With an increase in your blood glucose level and hyperlipidemia, you are more prone to oxidative stress. Capsicum contains high levels of phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants. These compounds scavenge the harmful free radicals released due to oxidative stress and lower your risk of various health complications caused due to diabetes.

Is low in calories

If you are obese and have a family history of diabetes, then you are at a high risk of suffering from diabetes. However, studies have shown that intake of capsicum, along with a workout regimen, helps you lose weight and thus, keeps your blood sugar within control. It contains capsaicin that stimulates fat burning and speeds up your metabolic rate, thereby controlling obesity and improving your overall well-being.

Tips to keep in mind

The research study published in the Journal Natural Products Research have shown that yellow bell pepper is better than the green one in controlling blood sugar level in diabetics, and also lowers the risk of diabetes.

Raw capsicum is better than cooked one for diabetics. You can add capsicum along with other vegetables while preparing salad, sprinkle some cinnamon powder and eat it as a snack.

Source: thehealthsite.com