Green pepper is unripe bell pepper used globally for culinary purposes. They are often thought of as vegetables, but are fruits employed while cooking to spice up meals. These are mildly sweet fruit found in varieties of cuisines. Green peppers, unlike their fiery cousins, have little to no heat. Green peppers have thick walls, are bell-shaped, and are green.
This amazing green bell pepper can be safely consumed by people who don’t mind a bit of adventure. Green pepper is versatile and tasty in several dishes. However, it isn’t eaten for its looks alone.
This article provides you with the nutritional benefits and health benefits of green pepper.
Nutritional Value of Green Peppers
Green peppers (Capsicum annuum) are highly nutritious and loaded with many essential nutrients. 150 grams of green pepper contains 30 calories, 1.3 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 2.6 grams of fiber.
Oranges and other citrus fruits are known for their high Vitamin C content. Yet, green peppers have twice the amount of Vitamin C in an orange.
Green peppers are also high in the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Folates
- Iron
- Potassium.
Health Benefits of Green Pepper
Green peppers are a favorite culinary vegetable since they’re quite flexible and can be used in practically any savory meal. In addition to their versatility, green peppers can provide a wide range of health benefits.
The list below are some of the health benefits of green pepper:
1. Boost Your Eye Health
The chemical component “lutein” is abundant in green peppers. Lutein is the yellow and orange pigment that gives carrots, cantaloupe, and eggs their characteristic color. It’s an antioxidant that has been demonstrated to help with vision.
This special compound helps strengthen the eye region that’s frequently harmed by blue light. Getting enough lutein in your diet may help you avoid macular degeneration and cataracts development.
2. Prevents anemia
Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of iron in the bloodstream. The condition can reduce your body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Unfortunately, fatigue and weakness are the most common signs of anemia.
Green peppers are an excellent source of iron and vitamin C. Moreover, vitamin C aids iron absorption. Therefore, anemia caused by iron deficiency can be prevented and treated with the help of green pepper.
3. Good for the heart
Green pepper has shown significant reduction of cardiovascular risks. Its high level of antioxidants helps lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. This happens because green pepper contains a lot of beta-carotene, which is important for preventing blood clots and other heart problems.
4. Promotes healthy skin
Green peppers have high phytonutrients content, which helps to heal rashes, pimples, acne, and other skin diseases.
Vitamin E is widely known to aid in the maintenance of healthy skin. Different antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin C found in green peppers, can help our skin build collagen, keeping it healthy.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Green peppers also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with the pain and swelling associated with bone diseases. Green bell peppers also contain the antioxidant quercetin, which may reduce inflammation linked to chronic diseases, like diabetes.
6. Improves digestive health
Green peppers are also good sources of fibre, which is essential for the digestive health. This is because they are rich in fiber. Eating foods rich in fibre such as green pepper can keep your digestive system functioning properly by preventing constipation and promoting a healthy gut bacteria balance.
7. Good for weight loss
Adding green pepper to your meals also makes it good for weight loss. Consuming green peppers can help with weight management, or weight loss. They are low in calories, high in fiber, rich in protein, and loaded with other nutrients your body needs to function properly.
Bottom Line
Green peppers are a popular vegetable to have in your kitchen because they are versatile and can be added to almost any meal. However, the above health benefits of green peppers are the main reason why you consume green peppers often.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
