In recent years, spicy Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, known for their spicy flavors, have become popular among diners. For those who enjoy spicy food, the sight of red chili peppers on their dishes, emitting an enticing aroma, is definitely a delightful feeling. But should people with diabetes avoid eating spicy food?
Can people with diabetes eat chili peppers?
Pro viewpoint: Yes, they can! Many studies have shown that chili peppers have numerous benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, improve appetite, and help relieve indigestion. Besides, as a person from Sichuan, life would be meaningless without being able to eat spicy food.
Con viewpoint: No, they can't! Eating bland food is an important principle for people with diabetes. Chili peppers stimulate appetite and make us unknowingly eat too much, which is not conducive to dietary control.
Winning viewpoint: People with diabetes don't have to avoid spicy food, but they also can't indulge in it recklessly.
Reasons why people with diabetes don't have to avoid spicy food
Firstly, in terms of chili peppers themselves, they have a low calorie content, and if cooked properly, their impact on blood sugar is not significant. However, the problem lies in the heavy flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Dishes like boiled fish and spicy hot pot are rich in taste and oily. During the cooking process, a large amount of oil and salt are added. If people with diabetes indulge in these dishes, it can lead to a high intake of fat and salt, affecting their blood lipid and blood pressure. In addition, chili peppers increase appetite, which may lead to increased consumption of staple foods and subsequently elevated blood sugar levels.
Secondly, for patients who particularly enjoy spicy food, if they suddenly restrict their consumption of chili peppers, they may feel that they have lost the joy of life, resulting in resistance to dietary control for diabetes and hindering adherence to dietary treatment.
Thirdly, research has shown that capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy taste of chili peppers, can lower blood sugar levels. Although chili peppers have been used to treat diabetes in traditional Jamaican medicine, there had been no previous research specifically focused on the medicinal properties of the main components of chili peppers. Now, scientists from the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica have filled this gap and achieved new research results. The study found that two hours after sugar intake, the blood sugar levels of dogs that were given capsaicin were significantly lower compared to those that did not receive capsaicin. Insulin levels measured two and a half hours later were also found to be higher in dogs that had been given capsaicin. Currently, researchers are not sure how capsaicin affects insulin levels. They speculate that capsaicin may increase insulin secretion. Currently, capsaicin is also used to treat peripheral neuropathy in diabetes.
How to eat chili peppers with diabetes
However, just because people with diabetes can eat chili peppers doesn't mean they can eat them without any concerns. For patients who love spicy food and enjoy their taste, they should pay attention to the following points:
Firstly, pay attention to the cooking methods for dishes and preferably avoid eating dishes with high fat content such as boiled fish and spicy hot pot. One can add some finely chopped, non-oily raw chili peppers after steaming the fish, or use less chili oil when seasoning dishes. This way, one can satisfy their taste buds without consuming excessive amounts of fat. Secondly, when eating spicy food, pay attention to controlling the intake of staple foods like rice, noodles, and salt, and avoid overeating. Thirdly, patients with digestive disorders such as gastric ulcers should avoid eating spicy food to reduce the irritation of chili peppers on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Patients with diseases such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures are also advised to avoid eating chili peppers. Lastly, chili peppers are hot and spicy, so it is best to avoid or minimize consumption in dry or hot weather.
