Bell peppers are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Lycopene, one of the main components, protects the body against oxidation of blood cells and reduces the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Studies have shown that people who consume bell peppers early in life are less likely to develop these conditions.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a molecular compound found in spicy peppers. It is present in every part of the pepper except for the seed. However, the inner wall of the pepper is the source of the highest concentration.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a nutrient that is rich in antioxidants, which may prevent cancer. Bell pepper is a major source of lycopene. In a recent study, the concentration of lycopene in two commercial bell pepper varieties was compared. The Fascinato and grafted varieties had higher lycopene concentrations than the Janette variety. Fascinato had a higher lycopene concentration of 0.0048 mg/g of fresh tissue compared to Janette.
Vitamin C
Bell peppers are a powerful source of Vitamin C. They can lower blood cholesterol levels and protect the body from cardiovascular disease. Also, they contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidation of blood cells. A study suggests that regular consumption of bell peppers may reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
Folate
Folate is a vitamin that helps the body absorb vitamin C. A medium-sized bell pepper can provide up to 169% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Together, these vitamins make it possible for several body functions to run smoothly.
Vitamin B6
When consumed in sufficient quantities, bell peppers can help you stay healthy and help you avoid the side effects of vitamin deficiencies. The color pigment found in bell peppers called quercetin acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. It has been linked to anti-inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease, and it is also helpful for reducing blood pressure. According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, when rats were given varying amounts of quercetin, the average blood pressure dropped by 23%.
Weight loss
One of the simplest ways to reduce your calories is to eat more vegetables. This includes peppers. In addition to being a good source of vitamins and minerals, peppers also aid in weight loss. Eating a few peppers daily can help boost your metabolism and burn fat.
Increased metabolism
Bell peppers increase your metabolism by activating thermogenesis, a process that helps you burn more calories. They contain small amounts of capsaicin, an effective antioxidant, and have been shown to decrease metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, this pepper effect doesn’t increase your heart rate or blood pressure. In fact, it might even help you lose weight!
Carotenoids
Depending on the year and place of cultivation, bell peppers contain varying amounts of carotenoid compounds. One study found that the amount of carotenoid compounds in orange pepper fruits ranged from 0 to 1.24 mg*g-1 DW. This result suggests that colored chile peppers contain health-promoting nutraceuticals.