Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are fruit/vegetables that belong to the nightshade family. They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Capsicums come in various colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green. Capsicums/ bell peppers can be eaten either raw as a salad or cooked.
3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw bell peppers contain:
- Calories: 31
- Water: 92%
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Sugar: 4.2 grams
- Fiber: 2.1 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- It also contains Vitamin A, E, C, B6, K1, Potassium, and Folate.
[the_ad_placement id=”after-content”]
Health Benefits:
- Eating raw capsicum together with iron-rich foods such as spinach may help increase your body’s iron stores, cutting your risk of anemia.
- Being high in vitamin A, red bell peppers help to support healthy eyesight, especially night vision. They are a rich source of a carotenoid called lutein that helps in lowering the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes.
- Capsicum has anti-cancerous benefits. Being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, bell pepper provides several anti-cancer benefits. Moreover, bell peppers also contain health-supportive Sulphur compounds. The enzymes in bell pepper help to prevent gastric cancer. The carotenoid lycopene is found to be effective in the prevention of prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas cancer.
- Studies on capsicum show that Capsicum is good for preventing coronary heart disease. Red bell peppers are rich in lycopene, thus making them excellent for a healthy heart whereas green bell peppers are a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Increased homocysteine levels can lead to a higher risk of heart disease.
- Capsicums are great for eye health too. Adding capsicum to your diet may help lower your risk of visual impairments. Being high in vitamin A, red bell peppers help to support healthy eyesight, especially night vision. They are a rich source of a carotenoid called lutein that helps in lowering the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes.
- Red bell peppers provide almost 300 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is essential for the proper absorption of iron. Thus, those suffering from iron deficiency should consume red peppers.
- Capsicum is great for hair growth and health. It makes skin glowing and healthy.
[the_ad_placement id=”sidebar”]
