The Real Health Benefits Of Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a colorful vegetable found in grocery stores around the world. They have a more mild flavor than spicy peppers and have many health benefits. Here's why you should try to incorporate these veggies into your diet.
According to Healthline, over 90 percent of a bell pepper is made up of water. In addition to water, one 3.5-ounce red bell pepper contains 31 calories, 1 gram of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 4.2 grams of sugar, 2.1 grams of fiber, and 0.3 grams of fat. Most of the carbs in bell peppers are sugars like glucose and fructose. These give peppers their sweet flavor.
Bell peppers contain many vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins B6, K1, E, and A. They are high in vitamin C and provide 169 percent of your daily intake in a single pepper. They also contain potassium, which can improve heart health, and folate, which has many functions and is important during pregnancy.
Bell peppers are a great source of antioxidants
This vegetable contains several different antioxidants that help the body fight against free radicals. According to Medical News Today, bell peppers contain the antioxidants quercetin, luteolin, capsaicinoids, beta carotene, and lycopene. These have been shown to protect brain cells and fight against diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Consuming bell peppers may also reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Bell peppers are a versatile ingredient and can easily be added to your diet. Many people enjoy eating them plain because of their crunchy texture and sweet flavor. Be sure to scrape out the seeds before eating, as these can be spicy. You can also add sliced or diced bell peppers to salads or tacos as a garnish. Peppers can also be cooked to give them a softer texture. They can be baked, roasted, fried, or grilled. They work well in a stir fry, fajita, or on a sandwich. Many people like to stuff hollowed-out bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat and cheese before baking them for a fun and delicious dish.