Sweet Red Pepper
Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Red sweet pepper is an excellent antioxidant. It, like tomatoes, contains lycopene, which prevents the formation of cancer cells.
Peppers are a well-known vegetable in Bulgaria and are used in almost every dish. They have a characteristic taste and color, which makes them very popular.
Nutritional value
100 grams of product contain:
- 31 calories
- 92% water
- 1 gram of protein
- 6 grams of carbohydrates
- 4.2 grams of sugar
- 2.1 grams of fiber
- 2.1 grams of fat
Red peppers are rich in various vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C - One medium-sized pepper provides 169% of the required daily intake of vitamin C, which makes vegetables one of the most dietary and rich sources of vitamin. In 100 grams the amount of vitamin C is 128 milligrams.
- Vitamin B6 - 0.3 milligrams per 100 grams, which is 15% of daily needs. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells.
- Vitamin K1 - 4.9 micrograms, which is 6% of daily needs - the vitamin is important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Potassium - 211 milligrams per 100 grams of peppers - the mineral is essential for heart health.
- Folate (folic acid) - known as vitamin B9, it performs various functions in the human body, but is especially important for intake by pregnant women. 100 grams of peppers contain 46 micrograms of it, which meets 11% of daily needs.
- Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that is especially important for the health of nerves and muscles. In 100 grams there are 1.6 milligrams or 8% of our daily needs.
- Vitamin A - 63% of daily needs are covered by 100 grams of peppers. The vitamin is important for vision.
Other important minerals in the composition of pepper are magnesium (12 milligrams), phosphorus (26 milligrams).
Surprisingly, peppers also contain a percentage of fat, which provides the important omega 3 and 6, 25 and 45 milligrams per 100 grams, respectively.
Health benefits
1. Improves eye healthThe most common eye diseases include macular degeneration and cataracts. Nutrition, however, can play an important role in the development of these diseases.
Lutein and zaexanthin - carotenoids contained in high amounts in peppers can improve eye health.
A number of studies show that regular consumption of foods rich in these compounds reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, so include healthy and tasty peppers in your diet.
2. Reduces the risk of anemiaAnemia is a common condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. One of the most common reasons for this is iron deficiency, whose main symptoms are weakness and fatigue.
Red peppers are not only a source of iron, but are also extremely rich in vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron. For this reason, eating foods rich in iron, such as spinach or meat in combination with peppers, for example, reduces the risk of anemia.
3. Help to lose weightRed peppers burn more calories when they are absorbed than they have in their composition. They can increase the rate of metabolism.
Contraindications
In general, peppers rarely cause a reaction, but it is possible that some people may experience some allergy symptoms.
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