By Chisom Ibemere
Bell pepper has numerous names such as Paprika, Sweet Pepper, Capsicum or simply Pepper. It is a fruit of the plant capsicum annum. The cultivars of capsicum annum have fruits of numerous colours such as yellow, red, orange, green, white etc. They are botanically classified or grouped as fruits and are berries but mainly consumed as vegetables. They originated from Mexico, Central America, South America. It thrives best in warm, moist soil with a temperature of about 21-29oC.
Bell peppers have great nutritional profile and are used in different cuisines globally. They are seen in large quantities in summers and have a unique taste and flavour. It is loaded with Vitamin A, C, K dietary fibre, carotenoids, folate and vitamin B1. These nutrients are highly beneficial for the general wellbeing of an individual. Folate and Vitamin B1 lowers the risk of heart diseases, due to their ability to decrease homocysteine level.
Related Posts
Bell peppers have loads of vitamin A which improves vision especially during the night. They have lutein and carotenoids that prevents Macular degeneration which is the major causes of age related eye problems. Beta carotene and vitamin C rich bell peppers give protection to the eye and prevent the eye from cataracts.
Capsaicin is one of the amazing components of bell pepper which results to its hotness. It improves the metabolic function and helps to prevent over weight. They are rich in anti-oxidants and anti inflammatory compounds. These result to its anticancer qualities. It also has health supportive sulphur compounds.
Bell pepper contains enzymes that prevents some certain cancers like the gastric and esophageal cancers. Lycopene helps to prevent the risks of pancreas, bladder, cervix and prostate cancers. Lycopene is also great for the heart health. Its amazing anti-oxidants like the vitamin A and C eliminates free radicals while potassium improves the function of the heart and lowers the blood pressure. Magnesium and vitamin B6 reduces anxiety and hypertension.
Bell pepper has a lot of health benefits due to its wide array of nutrients, these benefits may range from prevention of chronic diseases and overall wellbeing of individual.
