Bell pepper

Description

What are Bell Pepper?

Fresh, raw bell peppers are mainly composed of water (92%). The rest is carbs and small amounts of protein and fat.

Vitamins and minerals
Bell peppers are loaded with various vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin C. One medium-sized red bell pepper provides 169% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C, making it one of the richest dietary sources of this essential nutrient.
• Vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is the most common type of vitamin B6, which is a family of nutrients important for the formation of red blood cells.
• Vitamin K1. A form of vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, K1 is important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Potassium. This essential mineral may improve heart health
• Folate. Also known as vitamin B9, folate has a variety of functions in your body. Adequate folate intake is very important during pregnancy
• Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is essential for healthy nerves and muscles. The best dietary sources of this fat-soluble vitamin are oils, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
• Vitamin A. Red bell peppers are high in pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), which your body converts into vitamin A.

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.
Anemia prevention
Anemia is a common condition characterized by a reduced ability of your blood to carry oxygen.
One of the most common causes of anemia is iron deficiency, the main symptoms of which are weakness and tiredness.
Not only are red bell peppers a decent source of iron, they are also exceptionally rich in vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron from your gut.
In fact, one medium-sized red bell pepper may contain 169% of the RDI for vitamin C.
Dietary iron absorption increases significantly when you consume fruits or vegetables high in vitamin C.
For this reason, eating raw bell peppers alongside iron-rich foods — such as meat or spinach — may help increase your body’s iron stores, cutting your risk of anemia.