- The health benefits of eating bell peppers are many.
- They come in a wide variety of colors, including green, yellow, red, orange, brown, purple and black. Despite their varying tastes, they are all the same plant. Organic bell peppers are part of the nightshade vegetable family.
- Let’s look at the health benefits of eating bell peppers.
- Anti-inflammatory properties:
- One of the most important health benefits of eating bell peppers is in their anti inflammatory properties.
- Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for many types of cancers. The antioxidants in bell peppers help regulate the body’s inflammation system and reduce unwanted inflammation.
- 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.
- Cancer prevention:
- 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.”
- Eye health:
- Organic bell peppers contain enzymes including lutein, which prevent age-related eye diseases including cataracts and macular degeneration.
- 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. Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that 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.
- 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.
- Weight loss:
- Last but not least, one of the health benefits of eating bell peppers is in addition to being a great source of fiber, they are also 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.
- Please make sure you only eat them organic, to reap the benefits.
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- AS ALWAYS: Check with your health practitioner before you change your diet. This organic food is not meant to replace any treatment or drugs you are taking.
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- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Fruit, Vegetable, Vitamin A Intakes, and Prostate Cancer Risk.” Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases. Nature Publishing Group, 22 May 2007. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 2. “Cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases: Important Roles in the Metabolism of Naturally Occurring Sulfur and Selenium-containing Compounds, Xenobiotics and Anticancer Agents.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Amino Acids, June 2011. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 3. “Fruit and Vegetable Intakes, Dietary Antioxidant Nutrients, and Total Mortality in Spanish Adults: Findings from the Spanish Cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Spain).” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2007. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 4. “Bioaccessibility, Uptake, and Transport of Carotenoids from Peppers (Capsicum Spp.) Using the Coupled in Vitro Digestion and Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cell Model.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. ACS Publications, 23 Mar. 2010. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 5. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Peppers, Sweet, Green, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 6. “Cholesterol-lowering Effects of Dietary Fiber: A Meta-analysis.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jan. 1999. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
- 7. “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. 25 Aug. 2014.
