Black Pepper for Diabetes is No Sugar, But is it Really Safe?
Black pepper is well-known as the king of spices. It crowns our sunny-side-up, plates of pasta, salads, and whatnot.
Earning its rightful spot as a world-famous and timeless spice, pepper’s history goes back to the Greeks and Romans. Where it was used as currency or offering to gods.
Around the world, pepper is one of the most traded spices in the form of whole or powdered peppercorns. These Peppercorns are the berries taken from tropical vines of pepper plants.
Owing to its one-of-a-kind pungent flavor, pepper is irresistible for diabetics. Well, it’s not sweet that a diabetic should worry about a little pepper spray on fav foods. But, there’s a catch.
After researching expert opinions here’s a comprehensive rundown on pepper for diabetics. Its effect on blood glucose, interaction with diabetes medication, and precautions.
Let’s discuss the more benefits of black pepper for diabetes.
Is Black Pepper for Diabetes Safe?
Black pepper can increase your body’s capacity to lower blood sugar levels and prevent sugar spikes. It contains a vital ingredient ‘piperine’ that regulates the balance.
In a comparative rat study published in Hormone and Metabolic Research, rats who had piperine could regulate glucose.
In another study published in a Pharmaceutical Journal, some diabetic mice were fed with a little piperine daily. It had a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, in comparison to the controlled group.
One more research found that piperine boosts the effectiveness of anti-diabetic drugs. It reduces blood sugar levels more than the medicine taken alone.
So, it wouldn’t be wrong to say ‘piperine’ in black pepper is an anti-diabetic agent. The fact that this natural antioxidant is a ‘bioenhancer’, means it absorbs in the blood.
Genie ‘piperine’’ also boosts metabolism. It creates a perfect balance of glucose-insulin in diabetics.
That said, research and health experts have noticed that a higher dose of black pepper can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels as it is more bioavailable. Thus, moderation is the key.
Above all, black pepper for diabetes is safe. In effect, it aids in preventing insulin spikes.
Can a Diabetic Eat Pepper?
In precision, yes, diabetics can eat black pepper.
Piperine found in black pepper helps in lowering blood glucose levels. Furthermore, it may interact with anti-diabetic medicines leading to low blood sugar levels.
But, Experts recommend consuming black pepper for diabetes but in moderation.
How Much Black Pepper Per Day Should I Consume?
As you are aware of the effects of black pepper on your blood sugar levels, it’s important to know your ‘safe limits.
For the best benefits of black pepper on diabetes, one should consume one teaspoon of black pepper a day. Excess to black pepper can impact your digestion and cause ulcers.
So whenever you order food with peppery seasoning, do inform the waiters to skip it and let you do it to your taste.
Is Black Pepper Unsafe for Diabetics?
Yes, sometimes. Because black pepper might interfere with the absorption of medicines having propranolol, phenytoin, lithium, theophylline, and rifampin. Rather taking black pepper while you are taking any such drugs can boost their results. That can be detrimental.
How to Safely Add Black Pepper for Diabetes?
It is advisable to sprinkle the desired amount of black pepper at the final stage of your meal preparation.
Firstly, because it has a sharp flavor. Secondly, it helps prevent you from inhaling the black pepper fumes when sprinkling. It’s important and safe for diabetics because these fumes can irritate the lungs and might cause anoxia. Anoxia is a condition when your tissues aren’t oxygenated and that’s not a good thing for diabetics.
Final Verdict
Black pepper is no doubt the king of spices for its extraordinary flavor and health effects for diabetics.
What’s remarkable is its ability to boost your body’s ability to absorb more nutrients and make anti-diabetic drugs more bioavailable to the body. Thus, you can hit and maintain the right insulin-glucose balance even if you are diabetic, with rare insulin spikes. So, spice up your foods the right way and stay healthy.
