The birthplace of sweet pepper is Guatemala and Mexico, where it is still found in the wild. In Bulgaria, large-fruited sweet varieties were bred, it is from there that they are exported to many countries. In Russia, it was bell pepper that gained popularity . The benefits and harms of this plant in the nightshade family are well understood, and juicy multi-colored pods are skillfully used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetology.
What is the use of sweet pepper
Pepper contains so many useful substances that it can safely be called a "vitamin bomb." But the question arises: "If the pods are of different colors, which ones are useful and which are not?"
The fruits contain a rich list of vitamins and minerals, so any bell pepper is useful. The benefits and harms of color are independent, but there are still some differences in the composition.
Pepper has a lot of vitamin C, especially in yellow fruits. By its quantity, they surpassed both currants and lemons. Just one yellow pepper, eaten at dinner, five times covers the personβs daily requirement for vitamin C. Its highest concentration is the place around the stem, so do not rush to cut the most valuable.
Red paprika is richer than other types in terms of vitamin A content (almost 1 mg / 100g.) It is more in pepper than in carrots!
Such fruits are simply necessary for smokers, since vitamin A reduces the risk of lung disease.
The undoubted benefit of Bulgarian red pepper is that it contains the pigment lycopene, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells. In other fruits, unfortunately, it is not.
In green paprika, the highest concentration of vitamin K. It plays a significant role in kidney function and metabolism.
Pepper is an excellent prophylactic against diseases associated with potassium deficiency: fatigue, insomnia, weakened memory, a tendency to colds and so on.
Thanks to vitamin A, it is useful for strengthening hair, nails and maintaining good skin condition. Its regular use improves eyesight.
Vitamins B6, B9 and folic acid
strengthen the nervous system and protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin C, the content of which pepper is the undisputed champion, gives the skin elasticity and strengthens the immune system.
This product contains a minimum of calories and speeds up the metabolism. Many weight loss diets include bell peppers. The benefits and harms of such a diet should be discussed with a nutritionist.
The iron, phosphorus, iodine, sodium and potassium salts contained in the fruits make it possible to recommend pepper as a means in the fight against anemia.
Sweet varieties are valued for saving from vitamin deficiencies. During winter canning, for a long time they retain more than half of the vitamins and nutrients.
Harm of bell pepper
Sweet pepper is good for everyone: it is both tasty and healthy, and helps with illnesses. But even such a wonderful product has contraindications. How can a bell pepper be dangerous? Benefit and harm are relative concepts, and in the choice of products you need to start first of all from your state of health.
Pepper reduces pressure, so hypotonics should be used with caution. Also, people with gastritis, a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer and with chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys need to limit themselves in use or completely eliminate paprika from the diet. It is not recommended to eat bell pepper to persons with mental disorders, epilepsy, coronary heart disease.
The fruits of this plant are able to accumulate nitrates and pesticides. Peppers overfed with chemistry can harm even a healthy person, so it is advisable to buy vegetables of local producers and only during the season of their natural maturation.