Eat different colours of peppers to benefit from all of the nutrients
Eating different superfoods are an easy way to get extra nutrients and health benefits with little work. It’s as easy as chewing and swallowing.
This week’s feature we take a look at peppers and all of the benefits that they have on our insides.
Peppers are a diverse group of plants which range from sweet bell peppers to the more hot and spicy habaneros or jalapenos.
All peppers contain compounds called capsaicinoids which makes them so great at fighting a wealth of things. Studies have found that they can prevent the growth of certain types of cancer. They have also found to be effective in fighting pain relief for migraine and sinus headaches, as well as having a potent anti-inflammatory agent which can help ease arthritis.
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and A – antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers and cataracts, and to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and asthma. They also contain vitamin B6, folic acid, and fiber–all of which can help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
The red varieties of peppers contain lycopene, a substance that has been praised for its many cancer fighting properties, especially prostate cancer in men.
But, let’s not forget the more colours that we have on our plate, the more different nutrients we are getting. So eat a pepper medley with your next meal and your body will only thank you for it.
Capsaicin is the chemical in peppers responsible for their spicy effect. So the hotter they are, the more nutritional chemicals present. This chemical causes the brain to produce large amounts of endorphins which are used by the body as a natural pain reliever and to stimulate feelings of well being.
Besides adding a spicy kick to a meal and making you feel good, hot peppers are full of other nutritious goodies as well. They are bursting with vitamin K which assists with the proper clotting of blood, the strengthening of bones and the anti-oxidation of cells.
And if that wasn’t enough, they can also help you to lose weight as they speed up metabolism. Yes, we’re already out the door and off to buy some too.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health Diet Super Food