Chilli may help to fight obesity: study
Wednesday Jul 19 15:05 AEST
Eating chilli regularly could help in the fight against insulin resistance and obesity, according to new Australian research.
In a comparison of bland versus chilli-laden meals, researchers from the University of Tasmania's School of Human Life Sciences found that a few spoonfuls of chilli reduced the post meal surge in insulin, particularly in overweight people.
People with resistance to the actions of insulin have an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as polycystic ovary syndrome, fatty liver and certain cancers.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle have been found to contribute to the development of insulin resistance.
As part of the study, 36 men and women, aged 22 to 70 years, were fed a bland diet for four weeks and then a diet containing chilli for four weeks.
The study found that in overweight subjects, changes to a range of glucose metabolism measures following chilli meals were more marked than those seen in normal weight subjects.
Report co-author Professor Madeleine Ball said that while the study only provides preliminary information, it indicates the importance of looking at spices like chilli as one of a range of tools that may help manage or prevent insulin resistance.
"It's possible that chilli might be one of a range of things (that could be used for insulin resistance), Prof Ball said.
"It's not likely to be a cure all on its own, but it's important to understand as many things as possible about what could assist in the process of (managing obesity and insulin resistance)."
The number one priority for obese and insulin resistant people is to reduce their weight, she says.
"(But) it would be good to try and look at how this (including chilli in the diet) might add to the effect you could provide by other sensible dietary measures as well."
The research is published in the latest edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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