The TigerPaw-NR habanero pepper, developed and released by ARS scientists, is among the spiciest peppers ever developed. (Photo by Stephen Ausmus)

Compounds in Peppers May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

ARS researchers are helping Americans of all ages live healthier lives. Peppers are packed with nutrients and are a popular healthy snack, salad topper, or side dish. Now, ARS researchers found they may also help lower blood sugar levels, which is a major finding for diabetics.

Capsiate is a chemical found in many commonly consumed peppers, and its structure is related to capsaicin, the more familiar compound that brings “heat” to chili peppers. In support of a process patented to produce purified capsiate from peppers, ARS researchers in Oxford, MS, investigated how this capsiate enriched Capsicum annuum extract, which does not possess any undesirable pungency or spiciness, affects metabolic disorder receptors.  Learn more...

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.