It might seem like adding one more vegetable to your diet won’t make a big difference – but it really can – as long as you make sure you include it in your meals every day. Because vegetables contain so many vitamins and minerals, they can provide your body with healthy nutrients and even prevent some nasty health problems. For example, peppers can keep your skin young and toned.
This is what frequent consumption of peppers helps with:
1. Iron deficiency
Peppers are a good source of iron and are also rich in vitamin C, which helps in its better absorption. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia. People who have it may feel tired, weak and short of breath more often. Low iron levels are also a risk factor for restless legs syndrome. So eating bell peppers can help prevent these problems, especially if you eat them with foods high in iron, such as meat or spinach.
2. Eye problems
Peppers are high in vitamin A and carotenoids, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help keep your eyes healthy. They can protect your retina from oxidative damage and even reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases, cataracts and blindness.
3. Damaged skin
Vitamin C also plays an important role in the production of collagen, which keeps your skin young and healthy. If you don’t get enough of it, you’re more likely to develop dry and wrinkled skin. Vitamin C deficiency can also cause you to bruise easily and your wounds may take longer to heal.
4. Heart problems
Lysopene is one of the carotenoids found in peppers. This component can help improve cardiovascular health and prevent strokes. It keeps your heart healthy by helping to control your blood pressure and regulate your cholesterol levels.
5. Visible veins
Capsaicin is an active component present in peppers. It has antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and immunosuppressive properties and can help prevent the formation of new varicose veins if you eat peppers regularly.
6. Weak bones
A medium bell pepper contains 6% of the recommended amount of manganese. This element, along with zinc and copper, is essential for bone health. In addition, vitamins C and K have anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent osteoporosis.
7. Digestive problems
Bell peppers are a good source of dietary fiber. It can help maintain gut health and even prevent some gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary fiber, along with the fact that peppers are about 90% water, can also aid in weight loss.
8. Weak immune system
100 grams of peppers contain 17% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6. This vitamin supports your immune system, and not getting enough of it can prevent your body from producing enough antibodies needed to fight infections.
