Why should you eat bell peppers? There are many reasons to eat bell peppers.
Bell peppers are packed with flavor and crunch, and they are one of the most beautiful vegetables in the world. They come in a wide variety of colors, including green, yellow, red, orange, brown, purple and black.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons to eat bell peppers:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties:
Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for many types of cancers. The antioxidants and capsaicin in bell peppers help regulate the body’s inflammation system and reduce unwanted inflammation.
2. Antioxidant rich:
Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C and E. Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress, which may help strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases. Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
3. Eye health:
Bell peppers contain enzymes including lutein, which prevent age-related eye diseases including cataracts and macular degeneration.
4. Good source of dietary fiber:
Bell peppers are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with 2.5g per cup, which is 10% of the recommended daily value. Dietary fiber is essential for the digestive tract, as it helps keeps bowel movements regular. Dietary fiber may lower cholesterol. Multiple studies have shown that dietary fiber can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, including a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
5. May fight cancer:
Organic bell peppers have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are known to aid in cancer prevention. According to a study published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, “A decreased prostate cancer risk was observed with increasing intakes of vitamin C-rich vegetables, including bell peppers and broccoli.”
6. May increase metabolism:
Red bell peppers have a thermogenic effect, which increases metabolism. This increase in metabolism can aid in weight loss. Research published in 2011 confirmed that red peppers increase metabolism and may even reduce appetite.
7. Immune booster:
Organic bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, with an impressive 120mg per cup, which is 200% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C, and other antioxidants in bell peppers contribute to a healthy immune system, which helps our body combat disease.
8. Rich in vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of serotonin, which helps stabilize the mood and sleep patterns. Vitamin B6 also helps with metabolism and strengthens the immune system.
9. Rich in vitamin C:
One cup of bell peppers contains a whopping 120 mg, which is 200 percent of the recommended daily value. This popular vitamin is well known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to bolster the immune system.
10. Weight loss:
In addition to being a great source of fiber, organic bell peppers are low in calories, with only 30 per cup. Foods that are low in calories and high in fiber are ideal weight loss foods. The fiber makes you feel full faster, so you eat less.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
REFERENCES:
1. “Cholesterol-lowering Effects of Dietary Fiber: A Meta-analysis.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jan. 1999. Web. 11 Sep. 2015.
2. “Dietary Fiber Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of the American Medical Association, Dec. 2005. Web. 11 Sep. 2015.
3. “Bell Peppers.” WHFoods.com. WHFoods.com, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2015.
4. “Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2015.
5. “The Effects of Hedonically Acceptable Red Pepper Doses on Thermogenesis and Appetite.” Physiology & Behavior. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2015.
6. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Peppers, Sweet, Green, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2015.
