Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are fruits that belong to the nightshade family. They are related to chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit, all of which are native to Central and South America.
Also called sweet peppers or capsicums, bell peppers can be eaten either raw or cooked.
Like their close relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers are sometimes dried and powdered. In that case, they are referred to as paprika.
They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green — which are unripe.
Green, unripe peppers have a slightly bitter flavor and are not as sweet as fully ripe ones.
Health benefits of bell peppers:
Like most whole plant foods, bell peppers are considered a healthy food.
High consumption of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of many chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.
In addition, bell peppers may have a number of other health benefits
Eye health:
The most common types of visual impairments include macular degeneration and cataracts, the main causes of which are aging and infections.
However, nutrition may also play a significant role in developing these diseases.
Lutein and zeaxanthin — carotenoids found in relatively high amounts in bell peppers — may improve eye health when consumed in adequate amounts.
In fact, they protect your retina — the light-sensitive inner wall of your eye — from oxidative damage.
A number of studies indicate that regular consumption of foods rich in these carotenoids may cut the risk of both cataracts and macular degeneration.
Thus, adding bell peppers to your diet may help lower your risk of visual impairments.
Adverse effects:
Bell peppers are generally healthy and well-tolerated, but some people may be allergic. That said, allergy is quite rare.
Still, some people that have pollen allergy may also be sensitive to bell peppers due to allergic cross-reactivity.
Allergic cross-reactions can happen between certain foods because they may contain the same allergens — or allergens similar in chemical structure.
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Credits: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers
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