Health Benefits of Bell Pepper

Bell pepper is one of the expensive vegetables here in my country I like the taste of it especially on pizza toppings. Apart from imparting flavor and attractiveness to bland dishes, bell peppers are loaded with nutrients like vitamins A, C and K, carotenoids and dietary fiber which makes them immensely beneficial for the overall good health. Bell peppers also have vitamin B6 and folate that help to lower homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Do you know the health benefits of bell pepper? If not then here’s the simple information for you.

1. Anti-Inflammatory

It has antioxidant properties and anti inflammatory nutrients that helps to prevent cancer.

2. Prevents Hypertension

It’s a great source of vitamin B6 and the mineral magnesium leads to decrease in anxiety levels, particularly due to pre-menstrual symptoms. Being a natural diuretic, vitamin B6 helps to reduce bloating and prevents hypertension.

3. Regulates Blood Pressure

It has a potassium content that helps to lower blood pressure which is also beneficial for heart.

4. Lower Bad Cholesterol

Capsaicin is found in the white membranes of peppers which is responsible for imparting heat to the seeds as well. It lowers the cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It kills the ulcer causing bacteria in the stomach and boosts immunity.

5. Boost Immune System

It contains Vitamin C that helps for maintaining healthy immune system. It also has Vitamin K which is important for developing strong bones and protection of cells from oxidative damage.

6. Cures Anemia

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.

7. Good for Heart Health

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.

8. Anti – Cancer

Being rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, bell pepper provides several anti-cancer benefits. The risk of cancer increases due to chronic excessive inflammation and chronic unwanted oxidative stress. The carotenoid lycopene is found to be effective in the prevention of prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas cancer.

9. Burn Calories

Red bell peppers help in activating thermogenesis and increase the metabolic rate. Capsaicin which is responsible for increasing the hotness of other peppers is found in bell peppers in very small amounts. Thus, they have a mild thermogenic action that increases the metabolism without increasing the heart rate and blood pressure unlike hot peppers. Hence, they can support weight loss.

10. Good for Eyes

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. Bell peppers also protect your eyes from cataracts due to their high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

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