Regular consumption of chilli pepper could improve control of insulin levels after eating, helping obese people and diabetics manage their levels, says www.foodnavigator.com, quoting research from Australia led by Kiran Ahuja and reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Chilli pepper, a rich source of antioxidants, has previously been linked to inhibiting the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and has been suggested to cut fat and energy intake when added to the diet.

Researchers from the University of Tasmania have reported the findings of a limited human trial, which showed regular consumption of a chilli-containing meal could improve insulin control by about 60%. The researchers found that the blood glucose levels in the trial group that had been put on a chilli diet had increased less than those who were on a bland diet.

"Chilli meals possibly result in lower C-peptide and insulin secretion and higher hepatic clearance of insulin, and the effect is larger if chilli is eaten regularly," wrote Ahuja.

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