What Are the Benefits of Red Pepper for Pregnant Women?

SadaNews - A recent study has shown that pregnant women who consume chili pepper at least once a month may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

 

The study included 1,397 pregnant women, who were monitored for their chili pepper consumption and its effect on their sugar levels, as well as their likelihood of developing diabetes in the third trimester of pregnancy, according to the American newspaper "New York Post".

Additionally, the likelihood of women who consumed chili pepper once a month developing gestational diabetes decreased by 3.5%, which represents less than half the risk rate of 7.4% in women who did not consume it.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo stated that this is due to the presence of capsaicin in chili peppers, which is the compound responsible for their heat and spiciness.

For his part, Dr. Xiao Chong Wen, the lead researcher of the study, said: "Moderate consumption of chili can be integrated into a balanced diet to manage gestational diabetes, alongside other clinical recommendations such as early screening and diagnosis, exercise, and medication as needed."

Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormones interfere with the body's ability to use or produce insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, according to the "Cleveland Clinic".

If blood sugar levels are not controlled during pregnancy, it may increase health risks for the mother, including a higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia and requiring a cesarean delivery.

The children are also affected by this; babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to be born prematurely, have higher than normal birth weights, and experience breathing difficulties.

Moreover, both mother and child face a slight increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.