What Are the Benefits Of Green Pepper?

Bell peppers have for centuries, been a staple of Latin American cuisine, which originated in South America since 5,000 BCE. They`re available year-round and have become more popular in cuisines around the world. These peppers come in various colors, with each variety having a unique taste and nutritional profile. Green peppers are one of the most savory of sweet bell peppers, and they remain fresh for a longer period than red and yellow bell peppers. Green pepper is a popular vegetable to keep in your kitchen because it is incredibly versatile and works perfectly in almost any savory dish. Besides their versatility, the compounds in green peppers offer a wide array of health benefits.

Green peppers are also called capsicum (Capsicum Annum), and these bell-shaped peppers have thick and brittle skin, a fleshy texture, with glossy outer cover. Let`s explore some of the benefits of these peppers for hair, skin, and overall health.

12 Benefits of Green Pepper

Powerful Antioxidants

Bell peppers contain lots of vitamin A, B Complex, particularly vitamin B6 and B9, and vitamin C. These vitamins counterbalance the destructive effects of free radicals, as well as maintain overall health.

Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Here`s why green peppers are extremely effective in relieving the pain and swelling from bone disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Treats Asthma

Asthma patients will find green peppers helpful because they are rich in phytonutrients, which are a group of plant compounds or natural chemicals that relax the respiratory passage and reduce panting.

Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Now that`s the power of vitamin C right there! You probably don`t know that there`s more vitamin C in green pepper than there is in oranges. Vitamin C will prevent blood clots and related conditions such as cardiac arrest and stroke.

Ensures Colon Health

Green peppers are loaded with dietary fibers that protect the colon from the damaging effects of microbes and toxic elements. Increasing your consumption of green peppers will go a long way in preserving the health of your colon. Its antioxidant vitamins also do well in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Rich in Calcium

The calcium content in green peppers is popular for keeping the teeth and bone strong and healthy. It is also great at maintaining oral health.

Combats Free Radicals

Green peppers contain antioxidant properties that make them super effective at combatting oxidative damages that are caused by free radicals. The vitamin C content particularly aids the formation of collagen in the skin in order to keep it healthy.

Prevents Aging

People who consume green pepper juice regularly are less likely to suffer aging, as it will keep their skins healthy and youthful.

Treats Skin Conditions

Green pepper contains phytonutrients that are highly effective at curing acne, rashes, blemishes, and other skin infections. Regular consumption of green pepper will prevent, as well as combat these skin conditions.

It`s Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal

Green peppers are great at treating certain infections like athlete’s foot and herpes zoster because they contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Promotes Hair Growth

Not only do green peppers contain natural silicon which is very beneficial for the hair, including green pepper juice in your daily diet will ensure increased blood circulation in your scalp and hair roots. It also works as a natural hair growth stimulator and makes the hair grow long within a relatively short period of time. What`s more? Green peppers prevent hair loss and the harmful effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Prevents Breakage and Splits

Green peppers are particularly beneficial to those who suffer experience breakage or split-ends. This is mainly due to its vitamin C content which promotes the absorption of iron by hair cells, and also provides sufficient oxygen to them.

5 Side Effects of Green Pepper

Dangers for Breastfeeding Mothers and Children

It is not safe for breastfeeding mothers to apply pepper to their skin. Also, children under two years of age should not have body contact with pepper.

Risk of Bleeding During Surgery

Patients who are scheduled for surgery are advised to stop consuming pepper at least two weeks before the surgery. This is because it increases the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Risk of Gastritis

Ulcer patients are advised not to consume green pepper raw. Although it strengthens the stomach and facilitates digestion, green peppers also increase gastric secretion.

Dangers for Skin Health

Creams and lotions that contain green pepper extracts can endanger the skin of some adults, making them suffer skin irritation, burning, and itching. Some of these extracts can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Risk of Organ Health

Green pepper can have severe side effects on some organs such as the liver or kidney, causing them damage. If you notice any irritation to green pepper, you are advised to stop consuming it and see your doctor immediately.

Some Green Pepper Recipes to Consider Trying

Garden Fresh Pasta Sauce

This is green bell peppers sautéed in olive oil with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs cooked for 30 minutes. You will particularly love this with pasta.

Crock Pot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

All you need here is some chicken, a pile of sliced green peppers, garlic, onions, and seasoning. Cook with low heat and served with some bun and cheese. You will love this because it`s weight-loss-friendly.

Roasted Potato Frittata with Onions and Peppers

Right here is frittata with some mushrooms and sharp cheddar cheese. It serves as a perfect meal for lunch, and you will enjoy eating it cold.

How to Prepare Green Peppers

The first step in preparing green peppers is to cut around the stem, then cut the green pepper in half and remove its seeds. This is a good time to wash your green peppers and take off the seeds completely. Although the seeds aren’t toxic, they taste bitter and may affect the taste of your meals.

Once you have removed the seeds, your green peppers are easy to prepare. You can dice them to mix into dishes, or cut them into wedges to eat fresh.

Some Pepper Facts you Should Know

• Pepper is the number one selling spice in America.
• Pepper comes in various colors such as black, red, green, and white. All these varieties come from the same plant. The ripening level, as well as its processing, determines the color.
• Pepper is native to India; it grows there like a tall vine with the peppercorns as flowering drupes.
• People have used pepper to cook for over 2000 years.
• Pepper used to be so expensive that the Romans would demand it as a ransom when besieging a city.
• Pepper loses its flavor and aroma through evaporation. It`s best to keep it in an airtight container.
• Bell pepper is also called sweet pepper, or capsicum, and is a pepper cultivar in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
• From a botanical perspective, bell peppers are fruits; however, in culinary contexts, they are considered vegetables.
• Bell peppers grow on a short bush which can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet).
• Bell peppers can be green, yellow, red, and orange. There are some rare varieties such as white, lavender, brown, and dark purple.
• While some people cook bell peppers, others eat them raw, like in salads.
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of bell pepper contain only 20 calories.