Capsicum is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. It also helps to reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Capsicum has role in reducing cholesterol and hence cardiovascular diseases.
Generally peppers belong to the genus Capsicum. Some commercially grown species of capsicum include C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. chinense, C. pubescenes, and C. baccatum . Among these C. annuum is grown most extensively worldwide.
Capsicums are an excellent source of phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins, vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids
Nutritional value
Capsicum contains many valuable nutrients and phytochemicals
It has been found that vitamin C, an effective antioxidant, is high in red peppers , while vitamin E is high in dried chili peppers.
The capsicums contain fiber and some minerals such as:
iron
calcium
copper
manganese
molybdenum
amino acids such as:
tryptophan
phenylalanine
lysine
Health benefits of capsicum
Capsicum can be found as an integral part of Mediterranean and continental foods. It is also used in Asia and middle East countries widely. However, many people are not aware of the health benefits capsicum provides.
It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Therefore, capsicum has protective effect on your heart , brain and immune system. It helps to reduce the impact of lifestyle diseases on your health including heart attack, diabetes, stroke &obesity.
• Anti-inflammatory properties
Capsicum helps to reduce inflammation due the presence numerous antioxidants and phytochemicals within it.
• Antibacterial properties
Capsicum is effective against microbes, particularly against bacteria. One research study show inhibitory effect of the extract of Capsicum annuum bell pepper type was evaluated against Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study shows that capsicum extracts kill bacteriae [2].
- Helps to reduce blood sugar; anti-diabetic effect.
Studies suggest capsaicin has several actions that have an anti-diabetic effect. This is achieved by reducing insulin resistance, which makes it easier for blood glucose to get inside cells from the bloodstream.
Capsaicin also helps prevent obesity, which predisposes for diabetes.
- Helps to reduce cholesterol
A few studies suggest capsaicin can decrease total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, known as “bad cholesterol.”
It has been also found that capsicum can increase high-density lipoproteins, known as “good cholesterol.”
- Reduces blood pressure
Studies show capsaicin reduces high blood pressure through several benefits. These include releasing substances that dilate blood vessels, suppressing an enzyme that narrows blood vessels, and stimulating increased urination, which reduces blood pressure by helping remove excess fluid.
References
- Anti-inflammatory effects of red pepper (Capsicum baccatum) on carrageenan- and antigen-induced inflammation
Fernando Spiller 1, Márcia K Alves et al. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Volume 60, Issue 4, April 2008, Pages 473–478, https://doi.org/10.1211/jpp.60.4.0010
- Antibacterial activity of Capsicum extract against Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa inoculated in raw beef meat
Mónica Careaga 1, Elizabeth Fernández, Lidia Dorantes, Lydia etal.
PMID: 12745238 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(02)00382-3
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6770197/
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-portrait-beautiful-woman-smiling-showing-yellow-pepper-vegetarian-girl-making-dinner_76274720.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=1&uuid=b4d91212-e03c-4aff-bf8a-e5ef074413d2&query=Capsicum+eating+woman
Leave a Reply