U.S.HEALTH WATCH
Sweet protein brazzein shows promise in reducing blood sugar spikes
Russian researchers found the protein in a West African berry could help reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, though it remains in early study stages.
Footage: NathanScientific · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- First reported by Al Jazeera: “Sweet protein brazzein shows promise in reducing blood sugar spikes: Study”.
- Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 8:38 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAs promised, the sweet protein.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorRussian researchers report that brazzein, a protein found in a West African berry, could help reduce blood sugar spikes after eating.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA natural sweetener that might help millions of people managing diabetes. That is genuinely lovely news.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorLovely. It's a study, Vera. Not a cure, not a shelf at the grocery store.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorEarly results. No word yet on when you could buy it.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSweet without the crash. I'd stir it into everything.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorIncluding your coffee, which is already a crime.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAnd what's the surge price on a berry protein that the grocery algorithm hasn't priced yet? Give it a week.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBrock, is it sunny enough for a sweet forecast?
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Sunday, October 11, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
