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Does Capsaicin in Chili Pepper Cause Diabetes?
Recently, a subscriber wrote in to PPNF asking what our thoughts were on capsaicin causing diabetes, “particularly in combination with a copper deficiency.” The association between diabetes and capsaicin appears highly unrealistic. There are many people who despise eating vegetables (including chili peppers) and many of that group is reactive to the nightshade family of vegetables. Peppers are members of the nightshade family. How many diabetics do you know that consume large amounts of chili peppers and nightshades? There are many consumers, at least in the western population who do not care for spicy foods (such as peppers), and do not consume them for this reason. Although we do not have numbers on how many diabetics do not and cannot consume nightshades, we can still conclude that most diabetics have experienced this disease due to dietary choices such as white flour and sugar. This conclusion can be reached because of the existing statistics regarding the Standard American Diet (SAD). Americans and many other westerners still prefer their pastries, sodas and white bread to their vegetables, including peppers. Do these cause diabetes? Do these cause diabetes?
Role of the liver & pancreas
Both the liver and pancreas regulate blood sugar. Both of these organs are impacted by the thousands of toxins in our environments and in our food. Dietary and environmental toxins have a far larger impact on those organs (which need to be in good health to stave off diabetes) than the small amount of capsaicin in peppers. David Getoff, certified clinical nutritionist and vice president of Price-Pottenger states “I personally would not waste time studying chili peppers. However, I will always respect those who wish to do research in any and every area that their beliefs or desires direct them. This is how science progresses.” David further explains that in his practice “the main causes and aggravators of diabetes are what I refer to as Sabotage Foods™ which are starches, sugars and alcohol. These increase the rate of which these organs are overworked, and eventually they are overworked far more than they were ever meant to be during one lifetime.” David has found in his practice that he and a client can always dramatically lower the level of Type 1 diabetes which is supposedly predetermined by DNA. This is accomplished through proper dietary considerations and certain supportive herbs. Don’t forget that our diets and our ancestors’ diets can play a huge role in incidences of Type 1 diabetes in future generations. Dr. Francis M. Pottenger, Jr. M.D. proved the usefulness of epigenetics in prevention of degenerative disease with his study Pottenger’s Cats.
So can I eat peppers?
As long as you don’t have a problem with nightshade consumption, feel free to enjoy the healthy varieties of ripe hot and sweet peppers, in almost all colors except green. Many, many people have digestive problems with green peppers. These are actually unripe versions of any one of the purple, red, yellow and other-colored peppers available, and are not as nutrient dense as their mature counterparts. We think taking the time to implement the dietary changes that have been proven to eliminate Type 2 diabetes and occasionally Type 1 diabetes as well is a far more effective strategy than worrying about capsaicin consumption. Salsa is not off the menu!