How is bell pepper useful for humans – 6 scientific facts

Bulgarian or sweet pepper is a vegetable that differs not only in its pleasant sweet taste, but also in its benefits to the human body. There are several varieties of vegetables (red, green, yellow) that differ slightly in biological effects.

According to research, the use of bell pepper improves the health of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, reduces the risk of developing malignant neoplasms, anemia and visual pathologies. Some medicines are even made on its basis.

Pepper rarely causes complications and is recommended for pregnant women in order to prevent fetal neural tube defects.

6 useful properties

Below are the 6 main advantages of bell pepper, which are scientifically confirmed.

1. A valuable source of vitamins and minerals

One medium-sized bell pepper (about 100 grams) contains The following vitamins and minerals:

The abundance of valuable substances determines the beneficial properties of sweet pepper:

• Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps to reduce body weight.
• Vitamin B6 is necessary for adequate hematopoiesis.
• Vitamin B9 is extremely important for the formation of fetal tissues during pregnancy.
• Potassium responds for blood pressure and the work of the heart .
• Vitamin A Normalizes the work of the organ of vision.

Pepper consists of 92% water and has a fairly low calorie content (about 31 calories per 100 grams of product).

2. The presence of antioxidants

In addition to the above vitamins and minerals, pepper is rich in antioxidant substances:

• Capsaicin;
• Violaxan;
• Lutein;
• Zeaxanthin;
• Quercetin;
• Luteolin.

The content of antioxidants directly depends on the color of bell pepper: casaicin – in red, violaxan – in yellow, lutein – in green.

Antioxidant substances reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

3. Improving eye health

One of the most common diseases of the visual organs are age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

According to the data scientists from Canada, lutein and zeaxanthin in pepper are effective in preventing the described degenerative pathologies.

Also, according to American experts say antioxidants protect the main component of the eye (retina) from oxidative damage, which slows down the age-related decline of visual function.

Antioxidants also reduce the risk of developing cataracts by 42%.

4. Prevention of anemia

Anemia or anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the level of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Pathology is usually found during pregnancy, against the background of chronic kidney disease or frequent blood loss.

The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency due to poor diet or chronic blood loss (menstruation, malignant intestinal diseases, etc.).

Red bell pepper is not only is is a source of iron, but also contains vitamin C, which significantly increases its bioavailability.

French specialists claim that any fruit or vegetable rich in vitamin C is useful for the prevention or treatment of anemia.

5. Improvement of the digestive system

Research conducted in Argentina, show that sweet pepper normalizes the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, is an effective means of preventing diarrhea and constipation.

And due to significant volumes fiber in the composition, pepper supports the intestinal microflora: stimulates the growth and reproduction of beneficial microorganisms, inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria.

There is a decrease in the frequency of malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum with constant consumption of pepper.

6. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Bell pepper has a complex effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

According to French specialists, due to the presence of fiber and vitamin C, the vegetable normalizes blood functions and prevents damage to the endothelium of arterial vessels.

Capsaicin helps to reduce the concentration of atherogenic fractions of cholesterol in the blood (LDL, VLDL, TAG), and also inhibits chronic inflammation. As a result, prevention of atherosclerosis and associated disorders (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke) is ensured.

Potassium lowers blood pressure and normalizes myocardial contractility, preventing not only the earlier development of hypertension, but also hypertensive crises during its course.

Harm and contraindications

Bell pepper is usually well tolerated by the body. Extremely rarely (in less than 0.01%) of cases, allergic reactions may develop. There have also been cases of cross-allergy (allergy to plant pollen).

Allergopathologies can manifest themselves in different ways: both "banal" reactions (urticaria) and extremely dangerous complications (anaphylactic shock) are described.

It is important to note that bell pepper is recommended for inclusion in the diet of women during pregnancy. The vegetable does not have a significant effect on the mother's body, however is extremely important for adequate formation of the fetal neural tube due to the presence of folic acid (vitamin B9) in the composition.

Answers to questions

Below we will look at the most popular questions from readers.

What color is the most useful pepper?

It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Red pepper contains the maximum amount of vitamin A and C, and, therefore, it is most valuable for of the immune system and the organ of vision.

Yellow and orange bell peppers contain the highest concentration of rutin, a biologically active substance that protects the walls of arteries from any damage and increases their elasticity.

Green pepper is characterized by an abundance of antioxidant components that can prevent malignant cell transformation.

Is it better to eat raw or cooked?

It is necessary to give preference to fresh bell pepper. Heat treatment leads to a decrease in biologically active substances by 30-70%. At the same time, boiled, stewed or baked peppers are still useful. It is better to give up fried vegetables.

What to combine?

The vegetable goes well with any meat dishes, especially chicken and pork (chicken stew), it can also be used to make salads (pepper salad with cucumbers or apples) and vegetable cocktails.

Conclusion

1. Bell pepper contains many vitamins, macro- and microelements, as well as antioxidants that have a complex effect on the health of the whole body.
2. Among the positive properties can be noted: lowering blood pressure and the concentration of atherogenic cholesterol in the blood, preventing malignant neoplasms, preventing anemia, improving vision and the digestive system.
3. The vegetable has a low incidence of side effects and is recommended for inclusion in the diet of pregnant women.