Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers (Capsicum annuum) aka: Sweet Peppers, Capsicum, Pimento, and Green Peppers, are bulky oval shaped fruits with a stem that gives them the shape of a bell from which they derive their name. Bell peppers have a thin outer skin, crisp flesh, and white inner pith which is studded with tiny seeds. One of the most vibrantly colored vegetables, bell peppers come in shades of red, yellow, orange, green, white, black and purple.
Health benefits of Bell Peppers
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Bell Peppers
Look for firm peppers with vibrant colors and a strong smell. Avoid any peppers that are wrinkled, withered, or have no smell.
Climate and origin
Bell Peppers originated in Central and South America but are hardy plants that can grow in temperate to tropical climates.(zones 4-11 in the U.S.)
Taste
Bell peppers have a strong and sharp pungent taste which masks their sweetness. Their texture is crisp when raw and mushy when cooked.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 20 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.17g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.06g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 3mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 4.6g | 2% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.7g | 6% | ||
| Total Sugars 2.4g | 5% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.86g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 80.4mg | 89% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.34mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 10mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 175mg | 4% | ||
| Phosphorus 20mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||