Diabetes : The Health Benefits of Bell Peppers

Duration: 2 minutes and 21 seconds

The first really encapsulate the age old phrase variety is the spice of life. Known as capsicum in some parts of the world, bell peppers are commonly found in red, yellow, orange or green varieties. The different colors are a result of the different antioxidant components that are rich in each.

Orange peppers, for example, are high in a compound known as beta carotene. Beta carotene is a vitamin A precursor, which is also found in foods like carrots. Yellow peppers on the other hand, are high the compound known as lutein, which is also present in food like egg yolks. Lutein is thought to be uniquely beneficial for vision and eye health.

In relation to diabetes, bell peppers have a low glycemic index and contain very little carbohydrate meaning they have no impact on your blood sugar levels. In fact, the soluble fiber content means that if included in a meal, they could contribute to reducing the overall glycemic effect of that meal.

Bell peppers which are high in fiber, helps slow down how quickly blood sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. They are also high in vitamin C, which may also help reduce elevated blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Bell peppers are a low glycemic index food and contain very little carbohydrate, which is why they have little to no impact on your blood sugar levels. In fact, their soluble fiber content means that they can help contribute to reducing the glycemic effect of any meal that they are included in. Bell peppers make an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance a diabetes friendly diet.

If you or someone you know is trying to manage a chronic health condition, it's important to consider making healthy lifestyle choices. In conjunction with a prescribed exercise program, nutrition can also play a huge role in disease management, recovery and mental health.

If you'd like to learn more about the nutritional value of bell peppers, or how to incorporate them into your diet, please reach out to your local dietitian.

Presenter: Dr. Akshay Jain, Endocrinologist, Surrey, BC

Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist