The benefits and harms of bell pepper: what a vegetable is good for the body and how to eat it correctly

Bulgarian pepper got its name thanks to breeders from Bulgaria, who bred large-fruited varieties of this plant. The homeland of this fruit is America. In some places in Colombia, Mexico and in the central part of the country, wild peppers can still be found.

Bell peppers are healthy and tasty fruits. They are used fresh and cooked in a wide variety of cuisines. Let's figure out what the benefits of sweet pepper are, how many calories it contains, and in what form it is best to use it.

Composition and properties

Bell pepper is a truly dietary product. 100 g contains only about 27 kcal. Proteins - 1.2 g, fats - 0.3 g, carbohydrates - 5 g. At the same time, 90 g of water and 3.5 g of fiber per 100 g of the whole product.

Sweet pepper contains a large amount of vitamins: A, E, C, K, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP, H, P.

Macronutrients:

• potassium - 117 mg;
• phosphorus - 29 mg;
• chlorine - 19 mg;
• magnesium - 12 mg;
• calcium - 11 mg;
• sodium - 3 mg;
• sulfur - 21 mcg.

Trace elements:

• iron - 0.75 mg;
• zinc - 0.18 mg;
• manganese - 0.1 mg;
• copper - 71 mcg;
• fluorine - 20 μg;
• molybdenum - 5 mcg;
• iodine - 2.3 mcg.

reference... Contrary to popular belief, lemon is not the leader in the amount of ascorbic acid in its composition. The real leader is bell pepper. For comparison, 100 g of lemon contains 50 mg of vitamin C, versus 139 mg in pepper.

Bell pepper: benefits and harms

Due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, this vegetable is considered useful both for diet nutrition and in ordinary cuisine.

Influence on various organs and systems of the body

Bell pepper affects individual systems and the entire body as a whole. The most important property of the fetus is increased immunity. It raises the levels of interferon in the body, which fights viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Vitamin A also participates in strengthening the immune system. It normalizes the permeability of the mucous membranes, which creates a natural barrier against disease.

Influence on organs and systems:

1. Heart and blood vessels - improves the absorption of iron from the intestines, lowers cholesterol levels, controls blood sugar levels, stabilizes blood circulation, and reduces the risk of hypertension.
2. Nervous system - Reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, improves mental capacity and strengthens the psyche.
3. Gastrointestinal tract - promotes weight loss, promotes the absorption of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients.
4. Reproductive system - improvement of both male and female sexual health, increasing the ability to conceive.
5. Bronchi - magnesium, potassium, manganese and vitamin C reduce the risk of asthma, emphysema and respiratory tract infections.
6. Eyes - protects the retina from damage, reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Action in diseases

When used correctly, bell pepper has a healing effect. But for some diseases, it is not recommended to eat it. Let's consider this issue in more detail.

With diabetes

The vegetable contains a minimum amount of glucose, so it is allowed for diabetics. They can eat pepper without fear for their health, if there are no other contraindications. The high content of ascorbic acid improves blood composition and normalizes blood pressure.

Freshly squeezed juice from bell pepper prevents possible complications of the disease and stabilizes the condition.

With gout

Sweet pepper helps to improve the condition of a patient with gout and is included in the list of products of a special diet. You can eat the vegetable fresh, stewed or baked. Frying is strictly prohibited, as is marinating.... Such treatment can aggravate the course of the disease.

With gastritis

In the presence of this disease, hot peppers are categorically not recommended, but sweet peppers are allowed, but in limited quantities. But it is better not to consume the vegetable raw.

During heat treatment, part of the ascorbic acid, which negatively affects the irritated gastric mucosa, evaporates.

Benefits for women

Bell pepper is an essential product for women's health. The rich composition of the vegetable helps to improve the condition of hair, skin and nails. Helps women cope with mood swings during menstruation and pregnancy. In addition, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the reproductive system and is considered a natural aphrodisiac.

Pepper is twice recommended for pregnant women. In addition to the anti-stress effect, it reduces toxicosis and swelling. In addition, the baby will receive useful substances while still in the womb.

Bulgarian pepper also has a positive effect on milk. It removes its possible bitterness, increases the fat content and quality. The substances in the pepper will be passed to the baby with breast milk and normalize his stool, reducing the risk of colic.

Read also:

Unique properties of allspice peas.

Measures to combat fusarium wilting of pepper and prevention of occurrence.

What is Jalapeno pepper, how is it grown and used.

Benefits for men

Regular consumption of sweet pepper by men improves potency and increases sperm count. Doctors recommend it to couples who have problems conceiving a child.

Also, the vegetable has the ability to increase performance, cope with daily stress and even depression. And the effect of relaxing muscles throughout the body will help men after a hard day at work.

Benefits for children

The high vitamin A content makes pepper good for children. It is easy to replace carrots that they do not like with this vegetable. It is important for children to get the proper amount of this vitamin in order to maintain good vision.... And the natural sugars in the bell pepper will give the child strength and energy for learning and additional activities.

And such properties as strengthening the skeletal system, a positive effect on hair and nails - for children will also not be superfluous.

Differences in bell peppers of different colors

Green, yellow and red peppers are all different varieties. Green - Atlantic variety, yellow - Indalo, red - Edino. They differ not only in color, but also in composition, and hence in usefulness.

Red pepper contains more carotene and lycopene, which gives it this color. Lycopene is also a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of cancer. It also contains more vitamin A (125 mcg) and vitamin C (200 mcg). It is recommended for visually impaired people and children.

The yellow variety is low in lycopene but high in carotenoids... It contains the most potassium - 218 mcg. Potassium is good for the heart, which is why this variety is recommended for people with heart problems and the elderly. Also, yellow pepper contains a large amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus has a positive effect on the skeletal system and kidney function.

The green variety is the lowest in calories. 100 g of vegetable contains only 20 kcal. Unlike other varieties, it contains phytosterols. These are special compounds - plant cholesterol substitutes. Phytosterol lowers its level.

Bulgarian pepper for weight loss

Due to its low calorie content, this vegetable has become a regular guest on the table of people who are losing weight and adhere to proper nutrition. Such an experiment was conducted in the USA.25 volunteers ate bell peppers, and specialists performed the necessary measurements and analyzes. It has been proven that from this vegetable in humans metabolism is accelerated.

In addition, bell peppers can significantly reduce appetite. And replacing the snacks with sliced ​​pepper will help you avoid eating too much. A crispy and sweetish snack will fill the body with water, useful vitamins and elements and reduce hunger.

Terms of use

Bell peppers are best eaten raw if you want the most benefits. During heat treatment, beneficial substances partially disappear. The benefits of boiled peppers are about 70% less than fresh ones.

Of course, this applies to people without certain diseases. In some cases, eating a vegetable raw can cause serious harm to the body, for example, with gastritis.

When frozen, sweet peppers retain all their beneficial properties.

Despite the huge benefits, this fruit is not recommended to be eaten in large quantities. The daily dose is 150 g. This is 2-3 pieces. For people prone to allergies, this amount should be reduced by three times. Excessive consumption can disrupt bowel function and cause diarrhea and irritation of the lining of the digestive tract.

Contraindications

Due to the high content of essential oils in the vegetable, it can be harmful to people prone to allergic reactions. And because of the hypotonic effect, it should be used with caution by people with low blood pressure.

Contraindications:

1. Hemorrhoids.
2. Colitis.
3. Ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
4. Gastritis and hyperacidity of gastric juice.
5. Exacerbation of chronic kidney and liver diseases.
6. Angina pectoris.
7. Heart rhythm disorder.
8. Epilepsy.
9. Increased excitability of the nervous system.
10. Individual intolerance.

Let's sum up

Bell pepper is a delicious and healthy vegetable. But you should not eat it in large quantities, so as not to provoke unpleasant consequences. For people who are on a diet or have diabetes, this product is a real find; in some cases, you can even achieve a therapeutic effect. But patients with angina pectoris, colitis, stomach ulcers and gastritis will have to give up sweet pepper.