Study suggests chili may lower gestational diabetes risk, but more research is needed

As lean sources of protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, beans are known worldwide as providing lots of nutritional power at a very affordable price. Now, a University at Buffalo study suggests that when consumed in chili during pregnancy, beans may help lower one's risk for gestational diabetes.

Beans are a healthy, low-cost food that provides good protein, carbs, and fiber. A study from the University at Buffalo found that eating beans in chili during pregnancy might help lower the risk of getting gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that starts during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can cause health problems for both the mother and the baby if not treated. Even though it often goes away after pregnancy, it can make the mother more likely to get type 2 diabetes later on. Some common risk factors include being overweight before pregnancy, gaining too much weight during pregnancy, being older, having a poor diet, not being active enough, and even having had COVID-19.

The researchers were interested in studying the benefits of beans during pregnancy because they are known to help with blood sugar control. They also found that people who eat beans often are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, not many studies focus on how beans might affect gestational diabetes, especially in people who eat a typical American diet.

In their study, the researchers looked at different ways beans are eaten, such as in chili, dried beans, and bean soup. They found that eating chili was the only food linked to a lower risk of gestational diabetes. Pregnant women who ate chili once a month had a 3.5% risk of getting gestational diabetes, while those who never ate chili had a 7.4% risk.

While the exact reasons why chili helps aren't fully understood, the researchers think it might be because chili contains capsaicin (the spicy compound in chili peppers) and phenolic compounds found in dark beans. These substances might help control blood sugar levels by slowing how quickly sugar is absorbed and improving insulin sensitivity.

The study looked at data from 1,397 pregnant women in a larger national study about infant feeding, and it’s important to note that this research needs to be confirmed with more studies. Also, because the study is observational, it can only show a connection, not cause and effect.

So, should pregnant people consider adding chili to their diets, especially if they’re worried about gestational diabetes? The researchers say that eating chili in moderation could be part of a balanced diet to help manage gestational diabetes, along with other recommendations like early screening, exercise, and medication if needed.

The study was led by Xiaozhong Wen, MD, Ph.D., with help from other researchers at the University at Buffalo.