The flavour of Red pepper, also known as bell pepper, red bell pepper, capsicum, or sweet pepper, is somewhat earthy and slightly sweet.
The more bitter green bell peppers have completely matured into these peppers.
The red pepper belongs to the Capsicum annuum family and other hot pepper cultivars, including the jalapeno, cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, and a few others.
Even though there are other red pepper varieties, only the red bell pepper is often called a "red pepper."
The native of Central and South America, capsicum annuum was probably domesticated 7,500 years ago in central Mexico. Numerous variants developed throughout time and are being used as cultivars today.
Before the Spanish expedition in the 1400s, bell peppers were one of those kinds and were extensively farmed.
Red peppers are currently produced all over the globe and are still widely used because of how their sweet tastes enhance a variety of foods.
Read Also: Migraines Are Ruining My Life! | Here’s What Finally Cured Me
Benefits of bell peppers for health
Red peppers, while technically a fruit, are most often seen as a staple in the vegetable production area. Additionally, they're a great source of vitamins C and A.
You may get 159% of your required daily dose of vitamin C and 47% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A from one-half cup of raw red pepper.
Other health advantages of red peppers include:
Bell peppers are regarded as healthy food, much like the majority of entire plant foods.
A high intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Bell peppers may also provide a variety of other health advantages.
Eye wellness
Macular degeneration and cataracts are the two most prevalent forms of vision impairment, and their primary causes are age and infections.
However, these disorders may also be significantly influenced by diet.
When taken in sufficient quantities, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in bell peppers in relatively large numbers, may improve eye health.
In actuality, they guard against oxidative damage to your retina, the light-sensitive inner wall of yours.
Numerous studies suggest that eating foods high in these carotenoids on a daily basis may lower the chance of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Bell peppers may thus assist to reduce your chance of developing vision problems.
Prevention of anaemia
A common ailment known as anaemia is defined by a decreased capacity of your blood to deliver oxygen.
Iron deficiency, whose primary signs and symptoms include fatigue and weakness, is one of the most frequent causes of anaemia.
Red bell peppers are a good source of iron, but they are also very high in vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron more effectively.
One medium-sized red bell pepper may really provide 169% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
When you eat fruits or vegetables rich in vitamin C, your body absorbs iron from your diet much more effectively.
In order to improve your body's iron reserves and reduce your risk of anaemia, consume raw bell peppers together with meals high in iron like beef or spinach.
Nutrition
Numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant substances are abundant in red peppers. Interestingly, red bell pepper is the only kind of Capsicum that has little to no capsaicin, the spice that gives food its spiciness.
In addition, red peppers include:
- Calcium
- A vitamin
- C vitamin
- E vitamin
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- B6 vitamin
- Folate
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- nutrients K
Nutrition in a Serving
- Freshly sliced red pepper in a cup provides:
- 23 calories
- 1 gramme of protein
- 0 grammes of fat
- 4 grammes of carbohydrates
- 1 gramme of fibre
- 3 grammes sugar
- 0 milligrammes of cholesterol
- 3 milligrammes of sodium
Things to Be Wary Of
The majority of folks have no trouble consuming red bell pepper. However, as they struggle to break down the hard, outer layer, some individuals experience stomach pain or even diarrhoea.
Red peppers may be more readily digestible for these individuals if they are roasted and the skins are removed.
Uses for Red Pepper
Red peppers are generally accessible in the United States and may be found at supermarkets and farmers' markets all throughout the nation.
These veggies are well-liked, attractive, and simple to raise. They are a great complement to a wide range of recipes because of their vibrant, sweet taste.
Try any of these dishes using red peppers:
- Red peppers should be cut in half, stuffed with quinoa and pistachios, and then baked.
- Combine cauliflower, red peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes in a roasted vegetable medley.
- With black beans, broccoli, and thinly sliced and roasted red pepper, prepare vegetarian fajitas.
- Add red pepper to pizza, chilli, or linguine.
- When making an omelette or frittata, add red peppers.
Other plant substances
1Numerous antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, which are significantly more prevalent in mature bell peppers, are plentiful in bell peppers.
Bell peppers' principal chemical elements are:
Capsanthin. Capsanthin, a potent antioxidant that is particularly abundant in red bell peppers, gives them their vibrant red colour.
Violaxanthin. The most prevalent carotenoid antioxidant in yellow bell peppers is this substance.
Lutein. Lutein is missing from mature bell peppers but is present in green (unripe) bell peppers and black paprika. Getting enough lutein may help with eye health.
Quercetin. Studies suggest that this polyphenol antioxidant may help in the prevention of several chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Luteolin. Like quercetin, luteolin is a polyphenol antioxidant with antioxidant properties that may have a number of positive health impacts.
Adverse outcomes
Generally speaking, bell peppers are safe and well-tolerated, however, some individuals may have allergies. Despite this, allergy is not common.
However, owing to allergic cross-reactivity, some persons who suffer from pollen allergies may also be sensitive to bell peppers.
Certain foods may contain the same allergens or allergens with similar chemical structures, which might induce allergic cross-reactions.
Conclusion
Vitamin C and other carotenoids, as well as other antioxidants, are particularly abundant in bell peppers.
They may thus provide a number of health advantages, including better eye health and a lower chance of developing a number of chronic illnesses.
In conclusion, bell peppers are a great supplement to a balanced diet.
Additional resources and citations
- 1Numerous antioxidants