Fun fact: Peppers were named by Christopher Columbus and Spanish explorers who were searching for peppercorn plants to produce black pepper
Introduction
Distinct for its rich and tangy taste, bell paper is a versatile vegetable (or spice) as it can be eaten raw or cooked, topped in salad or pizza or as an ingredient in many dishes. It is the most popular chilly pepper cultivated across the world. With its minimal hotness, bell papers are highly in-demand and are available in different cultivar types.
Bell peppers (scientific name: Capsicu annuum L.) is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of this vegetable has only 31 calories with 0.30g of fat and zero cholesterol. It also contains 6.03g or 4% daily-recommended allowance (DRA) of carbohydrates and 0.22g or 2% DRA of protein. These macronutrients are essential to keep your body function properly. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose to produce energy for the brain and nervous system. Protein, on the other hand, transports oxygen and vitamins in your blood keeping your skin, bone and blood vessels healthy.
Bell papers are extremely rich in vitamin C with 127.7mg or 213% of the DRA per 100g of the vegetable. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and forms part of the collagen, which is essential to keep the skin, bones and other organs healthy. Moreover, vitamin C develops the body’s resistance against infectious diseases.
Aside from vitamin C, bell pepper is also an excellent source of vitamin A at 101% DRA. Vitamin A, along with significant amount of a and b-carotenes, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and lutein, improves vision and protects the mucous membrane.
In addition, bell peppers are loaded with good amount of vitamins E, K, and B-complex. The components of vitamin B complex play a vital role in metabolism of various elements through different enzymatic systems.
Bell peppers also contain considerable amount of minerals that replenish the body with necessary benefits. It contains 5% DRA of iron and manganese. Iron is involved in the production of energy from blood sugar as well as in transporting oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Manganese, meanwhile, converts protein and fat into energy and assists in bone formation.
The 4% DRA of phosphorus contributes basically in strengthening bones and teeth. It also ensures the normal and proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, kidney, and heart.
Other minerals found in bell peppers include calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, and small amount of selenium.
The Health Benefits of Bell Peppers
Fights Fungal and Bacterial Infections
Bell peppers or Capsicum has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ability that virtually prevents and fights related sickness such as food poisoning, athlete’s foot, ring worm, singles and others more. Consumption of bell pepper effectively removes fungi and bacteria in the body and keeps it clean and hygienic to eliminate related effects.
Optimizes the Digestive System
Bell pepper has positive gastrointestinal effects that prevent issues such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, ulcer, colic, and other digestive issues. Adding bell pepper to your daily meal smoothen the entire digestive process for proper bowel movement.
Reduces Body’s Cholesterol Levels
Bell pepper has antioxidants that significantly contribute in reducing the bad cholesterol levels in the body. Some cholesterol is good for the body for it to function as expected. This type of cholesterol is called HDL cholesterol. There are also bad types of cholesterol that only brings sickness in the body that is called LDL cholesterol. Bell pepper properties stop LDL or the bad cholesterols from oxidation. It does not only stop LDL cholesterol oxidation but also boosts HDL cholesterol production that is very needed by the body. This will lead to a balanced cholesterol levels that will benefit your health in so many ways.
Eases Pain
Bell peppers have shown positive results in relieving pain. Studies have continuously been conducted for years up until now and there is sufficient proof that bell pepper is useful in managing pain. This is because of its capsaicin content that is able to ease pain in a relatively low degree. It also shows positive effects in treating migraine and headache.
Promotes Weight Loss
Bell peppers are very low in calories. This is good news for those who are very conscious with their daily calorie intake. You will not have to worry adding this fruit to your meal because it is healthy, very low in calorie, and rich in fiber. On top of that, it has capsaicin that is proven effective in curbing appetite and boosting satiety. This will lead to fewer food intakes in a couple of hours because you will feel full for quite a long time. Bell pepper will not instantly cause weight loss but through time, it gives a significant advantage.
Avoids Respiratory Issues
When it comes to problems with the respiratory system, eating bell pepper is very essential. It is rich in Vitamin C that is known to be a very strong antioxidant that boosts the body’s defense from irregularities that can possibly lead to respiratory problems like lung infections, asthma, emphysema, and others more.
Achieves a young-looking skin
Because of the high level of antioxidant present in bell peppers, it is able to defy ageing and its effects on the skin. Regular consumption of this fruit will keep your skin firm and flexible thus making it young looking and revitalized. If you want to have a beautiful skin through the years, make sure to associate bell pepper in your daily diet.
Reduces Chances of Cancer
As mentioned above, bell peppers are very rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that are so helpful in reducing risks of cancer. Primarily, cancer is caused by free radicals. The minerals contained in this fruit prevent and eliminates free radicals and its horrible effects in the human body. Bell pepper is able to repair and maintain our health on a cellular level.
Strengthens the Immune System
Vitamin C plays a very important role in the human body especially in boosting the immune system. The immune system is responsible for the resiliency of our body to irregularities and bacteria that cause sickness. The stronger the immune system is, the lesser you become sick. If you have a strong immune system, your body itself fights off and blocks diseases and illnesses. Bell pepper is a great source of Vitamin C so make sure to eat as much as you can.
Increases Metabolism
Increased metabolism regulates body fat and calorie levels. Bell peppers have the ability of boosting metabolism through decreasing the body fats’ triglycerides. Triglycerides are responsible of storing unwanted body fats. If you want to optimize the fat storage of the body, targeting triglycerides is the key. Fast metabolism is very helpful in losing weight and shredding excess body fats.
Boosts Eye Health
When it comes to the optical system, bell pepper contains compounds that greatly help. This fruit has beta-carotene and vitamin C that maintains clear vision and healthy eyes. These properties are proven to prevent eye-related issues such as ARMD, cataracts, astigmatism, etc.
Regulates Blood Flow
Proper blood flow affects the overall health of the heart. With the high level of Vitamin C content present in bell pepper, it assures proper circulation of blood flow. It relaxes the veins and strengthens the wall of the blood vessels to support proper flow of blood. If the flow of blood is regulated, blood clot and its effects like stroke or even heart attack are avoided.