15 Astonishing Health Benefits Of Bell Pepper

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Loaded with necessary minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, bell peppers possess amazing health benefits. The bell-shaped vegetables are low in calorie and high in water content. Its cholesterol free feature makes it more attractive to fitness conscious people. You will find bell pepper in variety of colors such as green, orange, red and yellow. According to research green bell pepper dons red color when ripened fully. Orange and yellow colored bell peppers belong to different variety. Bell peppers are vivid in color and tangy in taste. So a dish prepared with the vegetable will not only add an elegance of color but it will also lend a sumptuous taste to the meal. You can consume bell pepper in several ways to boost up your health. The best way is to cook it for a brief period. You can also eat the vegetable in raw form or have it as an addition to any of your favorite salads.

Here Are Top 15 Health Benefits Of Bell Pepper:

1. Rich Source Of Carotenoids

Bell peppers are rich source of carotenoid (the yellow and orange pigments that lends vividness and brightness to the vegetable). Main function of carotenoid is that it gets converted into retinol or vitamin A1. This vitamin is very important for healthy vision.

2. Rich In Lycopene

Lycopene is a kind of carotenoid that is responsible for the vibrant redness in red colored bell pepper. Acting as a powerful antioxidant, lycopene provides safeguard to the cells against damage caused due to oxidative stress. Regular supply of lycopene into our system may lower the risk of prostate cancer and heart ailment.

3. Rich In Lutein And Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin which are forms of carotenoids are found in plenty in yellow bell peppers. These substances mainly serve to safeguard macula which is the small yellowish central area of the retina in our eyes. The carotenoids are also known to lessen the possibility of getting macular degeneration.

4. Rich In Fiber

Bell pepper is very rich in fiber. As we all know it very well that plant foods like vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fruits are good sources of dietary fiber. Unlike proteins, fats and carbohydrates, our body does not absorb or break down fiber. Main function of fiber in our body is to push the food along the system and prevent us from constipation. Additional responsibility of fiber is to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and maintain a healthy level of blood sugar in our body.

5. Strong Immunity

A cup full of bell pepper will provide you enough vitamin A and vitamin C to nourish you throughout the day. High vitamin contents make your immune system strong and keep your body better prepared to take on viral attacks.

6. Low In Calorie

Calorie count in bell pepper is very low. A cup full of bell pepper cubes will give you not more than 45 calories. Moderate calorie count in bell pepper makes it a highly sought-after food for fitness freak.

7. Anti-inflammatory

Red colored bell peppers are loaded with carotenoids and phytochemicals. These chemical substances act as anti-inflammatory agent and help reduce inflammation in our body.

8. Reduces Bad Cholesterol

Capsaicin, the chemical irritant found in bell pepper possesses varied health benefits. Research suggests that it has the unique power to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and prevents arteries from harmful fatty deposits.

9. Rich In Antioxidant

Green and yellow colored bell peppers are rich source of beta-carotene that acts as a powerful antioxidant. High content of beta-carotene is very effective in fighting cancer.

10. Sulfur Content

Bell peppers contain adequate amount of sulfur. The sulfur content plays active role in providing safeguard against certain forms of cancer.

11. Rich In Vitamins

Bell peppers are rich in vitamins C, A, E, K and B. Concentration of vitamin C is in abundance while other vitamins are in moderate amount. These vitamins have many sided health benefits and protect us from serious health issues.

12. Protects Heart

Extremely high contents of vitamin C, phytochemicals and flavonoids in bell peppers provide best support to our heart. These substances are very active in lowering blood clots and cutting down the risk of heart attack and stroke substantially.

13. Protects Colon

Dietary fiber is very important for the well-being of our colon. Fortunately, fiber content in green pepper is very high. High fiber included in bell peppers saves the colon cells from getting exposed to toxins and bacteria.