Are you one of those people who enjoy paneer tikka or noodles but skip the bell peppers? You are not alone, though. Are they worth eating, though? Are we overlooking the nutritional value they bring to our regular diet? Let's find out. Bell peppers, also referred to as sweet peppers, are in the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. These peppers have a milder flavour and come in bright shades like yellow and red. Bell peppers are less spicy because they contain relatively little of the compound capsaicin, which is known to regulate the spiciness in peppers. While bell peppers often serve as a supporting player on our plates, their allure extends far beyond their gorgeous appearance and delicious sweet-spicy flavour. Did you know that bell peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your health? Read further to know more about the benefits these offers-
Rich in antioxidants
Flavonoids and other antioxidants found in bell peppers provide the body with protection from oxidative damage. Capsanthin, which gives bell peppers their deep red colour, is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from UVA and UVB damage.
Loaded with vitamins
An astonishing number of vital vitamins, primarily vitamins A and C, are present in bell peppers. In addition to reducing the risk of sickness, these vitamins are essential for increasing the body's immune system. By stopping free radical damage, the antioxidants lycopene, vitamins A and C, and support heart health. Furthermore rich in vitamin B6 and folate, bell peppers support heart health by decreasing homocysteine levels.
Prevents Cancer
The bell pepper is a "true superfood with a variety of cancer-fighting antioxidants like apigenin, lupeol, luteolin, quercetin, and capsiate, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene," according to the American Cancer Society.
Good for eyes and skin
Vitamins A and C, which are abundant in bell peppers, support the health of the skin, bones, and night vision as well as good eyesight. They contain a lot of lutein, a pigment that lowers the risk of macular degeneration in the eyes. Bell pepper includes vitamin C, which is required for the creation of collagen, the primary structural protein in the body that preserves the integrity of blood vessels, skin, and bones, according to the book "Healing Foods" by DK Publishing.