Diabetes-Friendly Bell Peppers: A Nutrition Professional's Guide

Bell Pepper image

Expert opinion from Ramona Lehadus

Master of Research – MRes – MRes Nutrition & Metabolic Disorders · 3 years of experience · UK

Bell peppers are part of the nightshade family of vegetables and they can be eaten by diabetics in moderation, unless they cause gastric upset or other reactions. Bell peppers contain around 7 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams so make sure to take that into account when adding them to your meals. Maybe use them more as a condiment rather than as a main vegetable in your meals. Also, because it is a nightshade, bell peppers can cause inflammation in the body; as diabetics already have a fragile immune system, it might be better to avoid them. You can use substitutes like courgettes, cucumbers or radishes instead of bell peppers, and for flavour or colour you can always use paprika powder.

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Expert opinion from Christos Sittas

MSc in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences · 3 years of experience · UK

Bell pepper may help with diabetes mainly due to its capsaicin and phenolic content. One human trial found that consuming 200 milliliters of bell pepper juice per day improved post prandial blood glucose levels (Nagasukeerthi, Mooventhan, and Manjunath, 2017).

Expert opinion from Maria Arienti

Postgraduate in Nutritional Support/Bachelor in Nutrition · 13 years of experience · Argentina

High-fiber foods, such as bell peppers, slow down how quickly sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. The vitamin C abundant in bell peppers may also help reduce elevated blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across region. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional.