Capsicum, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a popular vegetable used in a variety of cuisines all over the world. Capsicum comes in a range of colors, including green, yellow, orange, and red, and is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. Consuming capsicum regularly can offer a range of health benefits due to its high nutritional content. In this article, we will explore 7 amazing health benefits of eating capsicum, from boosting immunity to reducing chronic disease risk. So, let's dive in and learn more about the advantages of including capsicum in your diet.
# Make Our Immune System Stronger
Capsicum strengthens the immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and injuries, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in capsicum protect the white blood cells aka immune cells from free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immune system.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells in the body, and further strengthens immunity.
A stronger immune system dramatically reduces the risk of getting infected by a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex in the capsicum play a significant role in boosting the immune response of the body.
# Helps In Curing Iron Deficiency Or AnemiaCapsicum helps in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.
Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder mainly caused by the deficiency of iron in the blood and gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and dizziness, etc.
Iron in capsicum increases red blood cells that carry oxygenated blood to the cells of the body and minimizes the risk of anemia.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body and provides additional benefits against anemia.
# Promotes DetoxificationThe detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in capsicum eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body and prevent the toxins from causing havoc to the health.
Detoxifying properties of the capsicum significantly reduces the burden of detoxification from vital organs like the liver and kidneys and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Eating capsicum clears out the congested mucous membrane in the nose and lungs and eliminates toxins out the body through sweating.
# Provides Antioxidantal Benefits and Minimizes Cancer RiskVitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the capsicum protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, intestinal cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize themselves by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them.
Capsicum promotes apoptosis, a process in which cancer cells starve themselves and commit suicide.
Antioxidants also provide several other benefits like improved cardiovascular health, stronger immunity, improved respiratory health, etc.
# Good Source Of Vitamin B6 And MagnesiumCapsicum is an excellent source of vitamin B6 and magnesium that provides several benefits to us. Vitamin B6 and magnesium decrease anxiety caused by premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin B6 is a diuretic that flushes out toxins from the body, reduces high blood pressure, and reduces bloating.
# Good For EyesCapsicum is good for the eyes, the sensory organ that allows us to enjoy the beauty of the world.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our eyes from the free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Beta carotene in capsicum converts to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and minimizes the risk of night blindness.
# Promotes Weight LossCapsaicin in the capsicum enhances the secretion of digestive juices, causes a thermogenesis effect, and increases the metabolic rate of the body without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.
With increased metabolism, our body burns more calories and this helps in getting rid of the stored fats from the body.
100 grams of capsicum provides 26 calories of energy which means they don’t cause a calorie overload to the diet they are added to.
Dietary fibers in the capsicum provide stomach satiety, prevent the urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.