Bell peppers, commonly known as capsicums (Shimla Mirch) not only add vivid colours to your plate but also a sweet and tangy flavour to your palate. The different colours of the bell peppers are due to the difference in the duration of their ripening. They are loaded with Vitamin C, E, A, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, folate, carotenoids, and fibre.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Besides adding colour and visual appeal to your dish, here are some surprising health benefits of bell peppers:
1 . Help In Weight Loss
Being low on calories (37 Kcal in a medium sized pepper), they can be an exemplary addition to your plate if you are trying to lose weight. Moreover, they have 92% water content and are high on fibre content also. So, add these to your salads and enjoy the distinct flavours.
2 . Regulate Blood Sugar
The red and yellow capsicums have shown to be effective in slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids thus reducing glucose concentration in the blood and preventing the sugar levels to shoot up. For evident results, it is suggested to consume these before your meals as salads.
3 . Prevent Eye Diseases
Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in bell peppers protect your eyes from oxygen-related damage. Routine consumption of capsicum has been reported to prevent age-related macular degeneration (an eye disease which causes damage vision or total loss of vision).
4. Fight Cancer
Along with its strong antioxidant benefits, the constituents of bell peppers also have anti-inflammatory properties that account for prevention of excessive inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer development and progression.
5 . Prevent Anemia
Not only are bell peppers rich in iron, they also contain an exceptional amount of Vitamin C which greatly enhances the absorption of iron in your body.
6. Improve Skin Health
Being rich in vitamin E and vitamin C, bell peppers can do wonders to your skin and hair. Add them to your diet for glowing skin and lustrous hair.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BELL PEPPERS?
Summers bring with them these colourful peppers that add liveliness to your bowl of food. Always go for bell peppers that are bright in colour and firm and free from any discoloration. Choose the ones that are heavier with fresh green stems. Refrigerated bell peppers last their freshness for 5- 7 days but make sure their stems are intact to prevent any moisture loss.