Green pepper benefits and side effects….Green pepper benefits sexually…What does green pepper do to your body…
Green peppers are medium-sized fruit pods with a thick fleshy outer cover or walls. Simply, they can be described as bell peppers with a greenish colour. They can be referred to as fruits, and sometimes as vegetables.
Typically, they have a bell shape. The taste of green bell peppers is mildly hot, spicy and tolerable. when ripened, they transcend to red, orange or yellow in color.
Green peppers possess a unique flavor and taste. They give an appetizing and inviting look to meals due to their colour. They contain natural chemicals that can help improve overall well-being.
They can be added to vegetables, chicken stir-fries, soups, sauces, stews, eggs, omelets, and used as salad toppings. Overall, they make great recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Compiled below are the green pepper benefits and side effects.
Read on to know more.
Nutritional value of Green peppers
Scientifically, green pepper is known as Capsicum annuum. They are good sources of fibers, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It contains powerful antioxidants, vitamin A, B-6, B-9, C, E, K, potassium, magnesium, copper, folate, zinc, and more.
They are also relatively low in carbs, and contain plant compounds like phenolic acids, carotenoids and phytonutrients. Green peppers are highly nutritious and form a great addition to your diet.
Benefits of Green peppers
The following are the health benefits of green peppers:
Good for gut health:
Green peppers contain fiber, essential for gut health. They do so by improving digestion. Digestive issues like bloating, constipation can be prevented with green peppers. They also allow for free bowel movement and promote a balance of healthy gut bacteria.
Reduce the risk of heart diseases:
Green peppers can help lower your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases- heart attack, cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, stroke and other associated conditions. This is due to the antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C present.
Decrease inflammations:
The anti-inflammatory properties of green peppers help reduce inflammations, relieve pains, swelling and associated conditions such as arthritis, and rheumatism.
Decrease bad cholesterol levels:
Niacin in green peppers been shown to help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body, as well as increase good cholesterol levels.
Ease respiratory symptoms:
The phytonutrients in green peppers can help ease symptoms of asthma, cold, runny nose and flu. Consumption can also loosen phlegm.
Maintain healthy body weight:
Green peppers are high in fiber and low in calories. This makes it a great food item for healthy body weight maintenance. It can also assist with weight loss by decreasing cravings.
Prevents cancer:
The antioxidants and vitamins in green peppers play a key role in reducing risks of cancer development. It helps fight off radicals capable of causing oxidative damages. For instance, colon cancer can be prevented with intake of green peppers.
Boost immunity:
Green peppers contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that plays a huge role in the body. Vitamin B6 helps regulate bodily functions, keeps nervous system active and improves immunity.
Healthy development of bones, and teeth:
Green peppers contain minerals such as calcium. These nutrients not only help maintain oral health but also keep our teeth and bones active.
Improves eye health:
Green peppers contain vitamin A, carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin which are beneficial to the eyes. They help improve eyesight and reduce night blindness. Consumption of green peppers may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
Prevents liver damage:
Green or bell peppers contain capsaicin, an element present that helps protect the liver from damage. They help improve liver health.
Promotes healthy skin:
The presence of antioxidants, vitamins including vitamin C helps facilitate the formation of collagen, needed by the skin to keep it healthy and prevent damages. The phytonutrients in green peppers help treat acne, blemishes, rashes and other skin issues. More so, green pepper juice or extract help prevent aging and promote a smooth and luscious skin.
Treats infections:
Due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties in green pepper, it can be used to treat infections. Certain infections like herpes zoster, athletes food can be treated with green peppers.
Promotes hair health:
Green peppers contain silicon in great amounts, which is very beneficial to hair roots and scalp. Green pepper juice also help with stimulation of hair growth.
Promotes healthy foetus development:
Green peppers contain folic acid in sufficient amounts, a nutrient required for healthy development of foetus during pregnancy. In addition, it helps prevent risks of the baby coming down with birth defects whilst forming in the womb.
Green pepper benefits sexually
Green pepper is the spice of choice in boosting libido and relieving menstrual cramps.
Green pepper benefits for skin
Green pepper is rich in vitamin A, B C and E which makes it perfect for the skin. Green pepper stimulate the growth of healthy skin and shiny hair.
Green pepper for weight loss
Green pepper is rich in fibre, so it is good for weight loss because it burns fat and reduce big tummy.
Side effects of Green peppers
Green peppers are generally considered safe and healthy for consumption. However, this should be in moderation. If not, could trigger negative effects such as: runny nose, sweating, stomach irritation and flushing. For people sensitive to pollens; consumption could break out into allergy and cause reactions such as tongue or throat swelling, and shortness of breath. Please see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction or any harmful effect due to use.
Conclusion
Green peppers are loaded with nutrients required for optimal functioning of the body. They help prevent diseases as well as improve overall health. Truly, they are excellent additions to diets.
Stella-maris Achumba
This article is the intellectual propery of www.nimedhealth.com.ng