Capsicum Nutrition And Health Benefits Of Capsicum

Known by different names and available in a variety of bright colors, capsicum originated in Tropical America though it is now available all across the world. Also known as bell pepper, pepper, jalapeno and chili, the capsicum is rich in beta carotene, capsaicin and vitamins A and C, which are good for preventing a host of diseases, including live disease and impotency. This tangy vegetable is not only used for its medicinal properties, but the strong, spicy flavor is a great culinary ingredient. Chopped into narrow slices, this vegetable tastes great as pizza topping, can be cooked into curries and can be used as seasoning.

Capsicum is the name given to a variety of flowering plants that were originally native to the tropical parts of America. They are now cultivated all over the world.

Capsicum Health Benefits:

• Capsicum is great for metabolism. The nutrients in these tangy vegetables lower triglycerides in the fat deposits in blood corpuscles. This not only burns extra calories, but also energizes the metabolism.
• A rich source of vitamin A and C, capsicum also has antioxidant properties. These antioxidants combat the free radicals in the body and treat cardiac diseases, cataract, bronchial asthma and osteoarthritis. The vegetable prevents the damage that can be rendered on the body by free radicals, namely, cellular damage and damage to blood vessels and nerves.
• The capsaicin compound in capsicum can block the transmission of pain to the spinal cord from the skin. Thus, including capsicum in meals is good for those undergoing post-operative amputation trauma and herpes.
• The same compound, capsaicin is believed to prevent cancer. This compound prevents carcinogens from mixing with the DNA. Studies and research also shows that capsicum has cancer-preventing properties.
• Capsicum has blood clotting properties. Vitamin C in capsicum can melt away the blood clots.
• Capsaicin in capsicum can combat food-borne bacteria from affecting the body.
• Capsicum is also used to make a kind of cream, which is used to treat arthritis and shingles.
• Capsicum is also said to aid digestion by increasing stomach secretions. It is also known for its laxative qualities.
• Capsicum is also used to treat chronic rhinitis.
• Low in fat, cholesterol and calories, capsicum is so much more than just a flavoring agent.
• Capsicum extract and capsicum seeds are used for Oleoresin Capsicum or capsicum oleoresin spray. It is a pepper spray with a lachrymatory agent that can irritate the eyes and can cause temporary blindness. This spray is used by the police for mob control and by women as a personal self-defence tool.

Capsicum frutescens is the plant the produces the chili peppers. This plant has several varieties which are known by different names around the world. Capsicum is one of them and capsicum benefits are very well known. Capsicum is actually a broad term that refers to the family of peppers. Red, green and yellow peppers are included in this and are known as garden peppers. Smaller hot peppers are included as well. Capsicum benefits include improving circulation, inhibiting inflammation, preventing stomach ulcers, relieving congestion and boosting immunity as well. This tangy vegetable is used not only for its medicinal and healing properties but for its strong spicy taste as well.

Capsicum has the ability to reduce the triglyceride levels in the body and hence is helpful in enhancing metabolism. Triglycerides are the fats which are stored in the blood corpuscles. An increase in metabolism helps in burning of calories. Vitamin A and vitamin C are valuable antioxidants which aid in combating free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause significant damage and lead to many health problems. They can also cause damage to the cells, blood vessels and nerves. Since capsicum is rich in these antioxidants, it helps to prevent diseases such as osteoarthritis, cataract and heart disease. One of the important capsicum health benefits also includes pain relief. The capsaicin which is contained in capsicum is found to block the transmission of the pain signal from the skin to the spinal cord. This is helpful in controlling the symptoms of neuralgia.

Capsaicin is also known to help in restricting the binding of carcinogens with DNA. Therefore capsicum is believed to help in the treatment of cancer. Some studies have also shown that regular intake of capsicum through the diet can protect the body from cancer. Benefits of capsicum also include prevention of blood clotting and protection from bacterial infections. Since capsicum contains vitamin C, it has the ability to prevent and dissolve blood clots. Capsaicin in capsicum helps to protect from bacterial diseases caused by food-borne bacteria. Red capsicum benefits are significant as they contain higher amounts of beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A by the body.

Benefits of capsicum

The health benefits of capsicum are much more than other vegetables. This is due to the anti oxidants it derives from its rich colors. The stronger the color of the peppers, the higher the concentration level of the anti oxidants. Capsicum also contains anti septic properties. Gargle with some capsicum juice if you have a sore throat. These colorful juices are also good in reducing cholesterol levels. The benefits of capsicum frutescens include reducing the inflammatory conditions of the blood vessels and also purifying the body by its cleansing and purging effect. This vegetable also enhances the body’s metabolism. Eating this vegetable will also prevent blood clots.

Capsicum health benefits

Capsicum, whether red, yellow or green in color is full of health benefits. Capsicum provides several healing benefits to the body as it is acts as a catalyst herb. Capsicums contain a high level of vitamins A and C and are therefore excellent antioxidants. Antioxidants help to inhibit free radical damage to the cells, nerves and blood vessels. Capsicum is also a stimulant herb. It helps to relieve gastrointestinal problems like stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and dyspepsia and even reduces excessive flatulence. Capsicum is also rich in vitamin C and this can help prevent nose bleeds. Capsicum juice mixed with lotus root juice is more beneficial in this respect. This vegetable also helps to bring down blood sugar levels and helps to normalize blood pressure as well. Capsicum has also been found useful in the treatment of chronic rhinitis. This vegetable is rich in beta carotene, Vitamins A and C and these all help to prevent many diseases such as impotency and liver disease.

Capsicum nutrition

This vegetable is native to America and is known by a variety of names such as bell pepper, green or red pepper or chili pepper. Information on the nutritional value of capsicum is given below along with the nutrients it contains:-

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Proteins
• Steroidal Alkaloidal Glycosides (Solanine and Solasadine)
• Fats
• Carotenoids. (This would include Capsanthin, Lutein and Carotene)
• Provitamins( these are substances that are converted into vitamins by the body)
• Capsaicinoid Oleoresin
• Scopoletin 

Health benefits of capsicum

There are several health benefits of capsicum and one of them is that the juice in capsicum can help to prevent nose bleeds. Being rich in Vitamin C, it strengthens, heals, repairs and builds up the lining of the mucous membranes to prevent nose bleeds. Lotus root juice mixed with capsicum juice is even better for this. Some other health benefits of capsicum include pain relief as well. The capsaicin in capsicum blocks the transmission of pain. This can relieve pain to a certain extent. It is also known to be effective in eliminating migraines and headaches. Capsicum can also be used externally for treating sore back muscles, sprains, bruises, arthritis and rheumatism. Cardiovascular health is improved after eating capsicum as it helps to bring down blood pressure. It can also help prevent strokes and heart attacks as it also lowers the cholesterol levels. It also helps to break down cholesterol deposits in the body. Capsicum increases one’s metabolism by lowering triglycerides. This also helps to burn calories.

Capsicum calories

Whether red, green or yellow, the calories in capsicum are not many. In fact, capsicum is good to eat because it is a low calorie vegetable. In terms of calories, all three colors have the same amount. A 1 oz or 28 g red pepper will have 9 calories. 1 cup of red capsicum will contain 23 calories. Capsicum is also a vegetable that helps to burn calories. Therefore it is good for people who are trying to lose weight.

Capsicum cancer 

All colored capsicums are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. These are very helpful in preventing cancers of the pancreas, cervix, prostrate and bladder. Studies have shown that capsicum helps to halt the spread of pancreatic cancer. The capsaicin in capsicum also helps to prevent leukemia and could be useful for slowing down or preventing the growth of other cancers as well. The compound capsaicin prevents carcinogens from mixing with the DNA. Research and studies have proved that this property of capsaicin could have several health benefits. Capsaicin is able to cut off the oxygen supply to cancerous cells and tumors and this property is currently being researched with a view to developing less invasive cancer treatment methods.
 
Capsicum health

There are several healthy benefits that one can get by eating capsicum. These benefits from capsicum include:-

• The vegetable is known to have a laxative effect and therefore helps those who suffer with constipation.
• Diabetics also benefit from eating capsicum as it is believed to be beneficial in treating the disease.
• The anti septic properties in capsicum make is effective in treating food poisoning. If taken with a great deal of probiotics, it can help to eliminate yeast and fungal infection problems like athlete’s foot, ringworm, shingles and so on.
• Capsicum is good for the optical system as well. The high content of Vitamin C and beta carotene in this vegetable helps to prevent eye problems like cataracts, macular degeneration, and astigmatism.
• Capsicum also helps to improve circulation due to its stimulating properties.
• Capsicum can also strengthen the body’s immune system. It is rich in Vitamin C and this vitamin stimulates the white cells to fight infection.
• It is also known for various anti inflammatory properties.
• Capsicum is also useful in preventing respiratory problems like lung infections, asthma, and emphysema, wheezing and so. This is due to the Vitamin C and flavonoids present in it.
• Capsicum also helps in repairing the worn out tissues of the intestine and stomach. It helps in the absorption of nutrients and elimination of wastes as well.

Capsicum is an important food which has numerous health benefits. However some people may experience some adverse capsicum side effects. Those are who are not used to eating capsicum may experience discomfort from oral or topical exposure to capsicum. In some cases, capsaicin may aggravate the symptoms of dyspepsia and gastroenteritis. Oleoresin is an extract of capsicum which is commonly used in pepper sprays. The oleoresin in capsicum can cause side effects such as burning, redness and inflammation. Inhalation of oleoresin can also lead to burning of the nose, throat and mouth, coughing and gagging. These side effects are temporary and disappear in a short amount of time.