5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Paprika

Paprika ‘Laal Shimla Mirch/Kashmiri Chilli’ is a spice which is generally used for seasoning and as a garnish. Offering innumerable health benefits, paprika combines well with other Ayurvedic spices and has been part of traditional system of medicine, all across the globe.

Paprika powder is prepared by grounding dried peppers, bell peppers, and chilli peppers belonging to the Capsicum Annum family. The colour of the spice varies from deep red to orange-red, based on the type of peppers used.

The flavour of Paprika is quite mild as compared to chilli and cayenne peppers as paprika contains small amounts of capsaicin, a compound that gives rise to the burning sensation.

Paprika is available in various varieties such as smoked, hot, and sweet. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

# Treats and prevents cancer

1. The presence of the active ingredient, capsaicin helps in treating and preventing cancer. Capsaicin restricts the growth of cancer cells and also suppresses the genes which help the tumour to increase in size.

2. Capsaicin produces anti-inflammatory effects on gastric cancer.

3. Several other compounds present in paprika such as lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin fight oxidative stress thus, reducing the risk of certain cancers.

# Reduces hair fall

1. The vitamin B6 content of Paprika prevents hair loss.

2. Paprika, being rich in iron transfers oxygen to the hair follicles thus, promoting hair growth by enhancing the circulation to the scalp.

# Promotes sound sleep

The vitamin B content of paprika helps produce sleep hormone, melatonin which helps maintain a normal sleeping cycle.

# Reduces blood pressure

Capsaicin content of paprika relaxes the blood vessels thus, reducing increased blood pressure.

# Other possible benefits

Apart from the health benefits mentioned above, paprika also produces a few more such as, prevent freckles, prevent wrinkle formation, maintains the hair colour, heals wounds, maintains eye health, absorbs free radicals, helps maintain heart health, aids in treatment for autoimmune conditions, useful in the treatment of diabetes and promotes healthy vision.

It also promotes anti-aging benefits, offers glowing skin, treats skin problems, treats spider veins, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, assists digestion, possesses antibacterial properties, prevents scurvy, prevents anaemia, reduces inflammation and improves cholesterol levels.