Health Benefits of Bell Peppers

Bell peppers provide more than just colour to foods. They are a source of valuable nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, available year-round; bell peppers are at their peak in August and September.  

Bell peppers come in green, yellow, red and purple varieties. Green and purple peppers have a slightly bitter flavour, while the red, orange and yellows are sweeter. The red bell pepper contains the most nutrients of the group, but all are great for your health.  Each colour of the bell peppers has different phytochemicals and provides different nutrients. Consumption of the varieties of the coloured pepper is recommended in order to benefit from all the nutrients. Yellow (lutein, zeaxanthin), Red (astaxanthin, lycopene), Orange (alpha, beta and gamma-carotene), Purple (anthocyanin)

Bell peppers contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory phytonutrients such as flavonoids, hyroxycinnamic acids including different carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthi, they are good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin K, manganese, phosphorus magnesium, pantothenic acid, niacin and potassium. Regular consumption of foods rich in all these nutrients can help to protect the body from diseases such as scurvy; heart disease, diabetes, fight certain cancer, cholesterol build up, and fight harmful effect of free radicals from the body, also boost the immune system.  Bell peppers are everywhere; they can be stuffed, grilled, put in sandwiches, and sliced fresh for food dressing.

Here are some amazing health benefits of Bell peppers

Improve Eyesight: Bell peppers are packed in various nourishes nutrients, red bell pepper help to support healthy eyesight. They are a rich source of a carotenoid called lutein that helps in lowering the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes. Macular degeneration of eyes is the most common cause of age related visual loss. Bell peppers also protect your eyes from cataracts due to their high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Regular intake of bell peppers can protect the eyes from various eye conditions.

Prevent cancer: Bell peppers are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The risk of cancer increases due to harmful effect of free radicals, and oxidative stress, which can be prevented with regular intake of phytonutrients antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The enzymes in bell pepper help to prevent some cancers developing.

Boost Immune system: Bell pepper contains Vitamin C, which is good for maintaining a healthy immune system. It lowers the risk of arthritis and inflammation. Bell peppers also contain Vitamin K good for developing strong bones and protect of cells from oxidative damage.

Treat Iron deficiency:  Red bell peppers provide percent intake of vitamin C daily requirement. Vitamin C is essential for the proper absorption of iron those suffering from low iron should endeavour to have the red pepper regularly.

Healthy Colon: Bell pepper has fiber, which helps in preventing colon problem. The vegetable improves the health of colon and protects it from microorganisms and harmful toxins.

Prevent stroke: The vitamin C present in bell peppers helps in preventing formation of clots, therefore, useful for preventing and treating diseases like stroke that are caused by blood clots.

Prevent Pregnancy complications: Bell pepper contains nutrients that help in preventing pregnancy problems.  Bell pepper contains folate, which is required for preventing complications during pregnancy and birth defects.

Radiant skin:  The antioxidants and phytochemicals present in bell pepper and make the skin healthy and radiant. A healthy skin plays an important role in pretty appearance. Bell peppers contain nutrient to build strong collagen to support and prevent the skin from skin problems such as wrinkles, discolouration, thickening and decrease in elasticity, it can even delay signs of ageing. Unhealthy lifestyle can cause skin problem, most of the skin damage occurs due to exposure to smoking and sunlight.

Healthy Heart: Bell pepper is a heart friendly vegetable that helps in decreasing LDL cholesterol in the body. Bell pepper contains capsaicin, which prevents heart problems by decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels.

Aids Weight Loss: If you are trying to lose weight without sacrificing nutrition, eating bell pepper can burn excess fat and help to maintain normal body weight. Red bell peppers help in activating thermogenesis and increase the metabolic rate, improving body metabolism levels can aid weight loss.