Are you one of those people who keep aside capsicum while relishing paneer tikka or noodles? Well, you are not alone. But are they really worth eating? Are we missing out on the nutritional value they add to our daily diet? let’s find out. Also known as sweet peppers, capsicums are a part of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants. These milder varieties of pepper come in vibrant colors such as yellow and red. Capsaicin, a substance known to control the pungency in chillies, is found in comparatively lesser amounts in capsicums, making them less pungent. Hence, they have earned their name as sweet peppers. While bell peppers usually serve as sidekicks on our plates, their appeal goes far beyond stunning good looks and sweet-spicy flavor. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, did you know that capsicum is loaded with health benefits? Nutritionist Lavneet Batra in an Instagram post highlighted how apart from adding color and flavour, these sweet chillies are great for overall health.
Health Benefits of Bell Pepper:
1. Eye Health
Capsicum contains relatively high amounts of two carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin, which reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes.
Read also: All You Need To Know About Capsicum
2. Rich source of antioxidants
According to Lownit, capsicum is an “excellent source of antioxidants, including flavonoids,” which provide protection against oxidative damage in the body. Capsanthin, responsible for the deep red color in capsicum, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from UVA and UVB damage.
3. Powerhouse of Vitamins
Capsicum contains an impressive amount of essential vitamins which mainly include vitamins A and C. Both the vitamins play an important role in boosting the body’s immune system apart from reducing the risk of disease. Vitamins A and C along with the antioxidant lycopene promote heart health by preventing free radical damage. Capsicum is also rich in vitamin B6 and folate which help in lowering homocysteine levels, thereby ensuring heart health.
Read also: 11 Best Bell Pepper Recipes | Easy Capsicum Recipe
4. Anticarcinogenic Properties
Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, capsicum is “a veritable superfood with a myriad of cancer-fighting antioxidants, including apigenin, lupeol, luteolin, quercetin, and carotenoids such as capsicum, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin Are. lycopene,” said the nutritionist.
Nutritionist Lavneet Batra also told ways to include capsicum in the diet. She wrote, “Snack on bell peppers or make them the star player of dinner for tons of healthy benefits. You can slice them and eat them raw, roast, grill, or fry them.”
Take a look at nutritionist Lavneet Batra’s post:
We bring you some of our best capsicum recipes which are an interesting way of making them at home.
5 Interesting Ways To Include Capsicum In Your Diet Apart From Paneer Tikka:
1. Paprika Soup
Roast red bell peppers and mix them with some fresh herbs to make this delicious and comforting soup. Get the recipe here.
2. Bell Peppers and Asparagus
Fried vegetables may sound boring, isn’t it? Don’t worry we have given it a colorful and delicious touch. Fresh asparagus and yellow bell peppers are tossed with tangy spices and a handful of toasted almonds. Serve it with bread or any meat dish. Click here for the recipe.
3. Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Capsicum stuffed with a tangy chicken mince mixture, topped with a generous amount of cheese, baked or microwaved to perfection. You can also use a pressure cooker. Recipe inside.
4. Bell Pepper Salsa
A flavorful Red Bell Pepper Salsa served with nachos and dry melba toast serves as a perfect party starter. Click here for the recipe.
5. Burrito
Looking for filling food on the go? Burrito is your answer. Prepare a mixture of rice, beans, bell peppers and salsa. Wrap it in a tortilla and you’re ready to go. check recipe here.
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