We know everyone loves to eat pizza with lots of toppings like cheese, olives, sauces and capsicum. And we are well aware of the benefits of toppings that are frequently used like cheese and olives but as a matter of fact we seldom thought about the benefits of eating capsicum.
Wait! Are there any benefits of capsicum at all? Certainly Yes. There are a bunch of capsicum benefits for health. So we are here with this factual and informative blog about the benefits of capsicum. We will also be dealing with questions like: Are there any benefits of eating capsicum? So without any further ado, let us delve straight into the discussion.
Table of Contents
Oerview
Capsicum technically speaking is a group of pepper plants which includes a variety of peppers like chilli peppers and bell peppers.
The vegetable is produced locally in regions of America but it is used all over the world in many cuisines. As we are here with the benefits of Shimla Mirch also called bell peppers so our discussion will be largely based on the benefits of this type of capsicum.
These capsciums or bell peppers often come in a variety of colours from green to yellow and red colours. The overall taste of capsicums are sweet and tangy but there are some types that have more of a bitter touch to them.
Bell peppers or capsicum do contain a high percentage of water in them. The other main components present in them include the carbohydrates and proteins. These components are the one responsible for capsicum benefits on overall health.
Nutritional Content
As far as the detailed description of nutrients present in capsicums is concerned, we are here with the nutrients present in 100 grams of raw capsicums.
- Water 92%
- Carbohydrates 6 grams
- Proteins 1 gram
- Sugar 4.2 grams
- Fibres 2.1 grams
Carbohydrates are abundantly available in the capsicums and these carbs are the main reason for the sweet and tangy taste of fully grown capsicums. As per the statistics, they also contain a significant portion of fibres in them which once again has many health benefits.
Vital Components Available in Capsicum
The main and the foremost important component of many capsisums is the chemical called capsaicin.
This ingredient or chemical is the main causative agent for the hot flavour of the capsicums. This chemical is the one which actually poses the benefits of eating capsicum on our overall stability and health.
But it is not just limited to the hot taste, even many research has indicated that capsaicin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in them.
There are many other components present in capsiums which make them the best fit to be used for many purposes.
To start the list with the major ingredients of capsicums it is essential to give priority to opulent amounts of vitamins available in them. Capsicums contain following vitamins in them:
Vitamin C
Capsicums are richly supplied with vitamin C. Among the top benefits of eating capsicum, this shouldn’t go unchecked. The abundant amounts of vitamin C has a lot of positive effects on the body.
It offers many advantages to the overall health and stability of the body.
Vitamin C content present in one medium sized capsiucm is about 169% of the Reference Daily Intake RDI.
Having said that, vitamin C has a pivotal role in protecting the body from degradation.
It is used by the cells to compete against harmful radicals which are potentially responsible for killing the normal cells of the body and therefore this vitamin C protects the body from premature ageing.
Vitamin A
Capsiums and peppers are opulently supplied with vitamin A and beta carotenes which are then converted to vitamin A by the body.
The important functions performed by this vitamin include the proper development and maturation of the immune system.
Along with that, vitamin A is needed for proper growth and development of the overall body.
Vitamin B
There are multiple types of vitamin B which are found to be present in capsicums.
For instance, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 are present in capsicums. These vitamins have their own roles to play in the normal functioning of body systems.
Vitamin B6 is crucial for the production of red blood cells and has many other important effects on the brain and skin. Whereas vitamin B2 is helpful in converting the carbohydrates and proteins to active energy contents which are then used by the body.
Capsiucm Benefits For Health
Good For Eye Health
Capsicums are vitally important in improving eye health. There are some components which are present in capsicums in lavish quantities and they are conducive in ensuring precise vision.
The main components which are responsible for better eye health and vision include lutein and zeaxanthin.
Consuming the requisite amounts of these vital components and ingredients will also reduce the likelihood of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Also these components are effective in protecting the light sensitive layer of the eye called retina.
Side Read: discover 7 easy and effective ways to improve vision.
Can Prove Effective In Treating Anaemia
Anaemia is the lack of enough amount of oxygen in the blood. The ailment is due to significantly lower amounts of iron in the body.
As stated earlier, one of the benefits of eating capsicums is that they contain surplus amounts of vitamin C in them. This higher amount of vitamin C is responsible for the greater absorption of iron from the diet.
Also there are studies that have proven the fact that iron deficiency is reduced considerably by consuming fruits and vegetables which contain high amounts of vitamin C in them.
Learn more about iron deficiency anaemia in children.
Anti Cancer Properties
The major component of capsicums i.e capsaicin has anticancer properties. Also the capsicums are rich in many antioxidants. Hence out of many other benefits of eating capsicum, this benefit is of great importance.
The findings and studies have indicated that capsaicin also offers anti-angiogenic properties.
This implies that this ingredient is helpful in combating the growth of cancerous cells.
Also capsaicin is concerned with lowering the symptoms of pain. So considering all of these properties it can be inferred that capsicum is effective in treating cancer.
But yes, the other regular medications and routine immunisation measures should proceed as per schedule.
Good for Immunity and Bone Strength
Capsicums are helpful in developing a stable and strong immune system.
As it is discussed already that capsicums contain vitamin C in them. This vitamin content is highest among many fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, the content of vitamin C present in capsicums is just enough to make a stable and fully functional immune system.
Capsicums and other types of peppers are also rich in many minerals and nutrients.
One of those minerals is manganese which is a prerequisite in the formation of cartilage and bone collagen.
Also it is responsible for bone mineralization. So adding one more thing to the list of capsicum benefits, it goes without saying that capsicum plays an important role in providing strength to the bones.
Out of many other capsicum benefits, the studies have also indicated that major components present in capsicums are essential and helpful in treating hypertension, high amounts of blood cholesterol and sugar levels.
The component of capsicum called capsaicin has an anti-diabetic effect. The anti-diabetic effect may include a bunch of different processes like improving insulin resistance and encouraging the conversion of glucose to other forms that get stored in the body. So people suffering from diabetes should consider adding capsicum in their diet.
Also capsaicin is of great assistance in cutting down the amounts of bad cholesterol from the body.
There are reports that have hinted at high amounts of good cholesterol in the blood after consuming capsicums.
With that being said, there are a bunch of different reports which found the good role of capsaicin in reducing high blood pressure.
The Final Takeaway
Capsicums are certainly the best thing to add in the diet this season. Capsicums are huge reservoirs of vitamins and minerals. If you have any difficulty in inculcating capsicum in your diet then try to make an appointment with the best nutritionist in the area. It is better to take some action rather than worrying about it. To keep yourself updated on health care issues, visit our website healthwire.
