Capsicum is a vegetable that comes in an exciting range of colors, like green, red and yellow. It is native to America and in fact, has been cultivated by the people of the tropical Americas since thousands of years. Known by a number of names, like chili pepper, bell pepper and red or green pepper, the vegetable is used as a spice, medicine and obviously, a vegetable. Apart from being great in taste, capsicum also holds a great degree of nutritional value and accords numerous health benefits to people. In the following lines, we have listed the nutrition benefits of eating capsicum.
Nutritional Value of Capsicum
- Carotenoids (Capsanthin, Capsorubin, Carotene and Lutein)
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Capsaicinoid Oleoresin
- Provitamins E, P, B1, B2 and B3
- Steroidal Alkaloidal Glycosides (Solanine and Solasadine)
- Scopoletin (Coumarin)
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Capsicum
- Beneficial to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin
- Helps wards off infection
- Promotes cardiovascular health, by helping lower blood pressure
- Has antioxidant properties that neutralize the free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps reduce cholesterol and thus, is effective in warding off strokes and heart attacks
- Speeds up the metabolism and helps burn more calories
- Good for treating colds and fevers
- Stimulates stomach secretions and improves digestion
- Lowers triglycerides
- Has a laxative effect
- Triggers the release of endorphins
- Good for diabetics
