Twelve Beneficial Effects of Paprika on the Body’s Health
Apart from having a sweet and spicy taste, it turns out that paprika also has many benefits for the body. Find out the various benefits of paprika here.
Paprika or bell pepper (Capsicum Annuum ) is a plant that belongs to the same family as chilies, tomatoes, and breadfruit. Interestingly, paprika can be consumed directly raw or cooked.
Peppers come in a variety of colors that are influenced by their level of maturity, such as green, yellow, and red peppers, some are even white and purple depending on the level of maturity and various types of seeds.
Apart from that, paprika is also a source of food that is good for the body. The reason is, there are many benefits of paprika for health. Here’s a list of the benefits of paprika:
1. Nutrients Of course
Paprika is a plant that contains many nutrients. Based on Food Data Central, 100 grams of red peppers contain:
Energy: 27 calories
Water: 91.9 grams
Protein: 0,9 gram
Fat: 0.13 grams
Carbohydrates: 6.65 grams
Fiber: 1.2 grams
Kalsium: 6 mg
Iron: 0.35 mg
Potassium: 213 mg
Vitamin C: 142 mg
Whereas in 100 grams of green peppers contain:
Energy: 20 calories
Water: 94.1 grams
Protein: 0,72 gram
Fat: 0.11 grams
Carbs: 4.78 grams
Fiber: 0.9 grams
Kalsium: 7 mg
Iron: 0.19 mg
Potassium: 163 mg
Vitamin C: 99,5 mg
Not to forget, yellow peppers are also rich in nutrients. In 100 grams of yellow peppers, there are:
Energy: 27 calories
Water: 92.1 grams
Protein: 0,82 gram
Fat: 0.12 grams
Carbohydrates: 6.6 grams
Fiber: 1.1 grams
Kalsium: 7 mg
Iron: 0.36 mg
Potassium: 197 mg
Vitamin C: 139 mg
Even though they have different colors, the content of red, green and yellow peppers can help meet daily nutritional needs. For that, you can add paprika to the food menu.
pers have antioxidant properties that can help fight free radicals in the body.
The phenolic compounds contained in paprika can protect the body against certain health disorders, such as heart disease, insulin resistance, and decreased mental health.
Based on The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming foods that contain high antioxidants can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other deadly diseases.
2. Improves eye health
Delivered by Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Ramadhan, the health benefits of paprika are that it can improve eye health, including macular degeneration and cataracts.
“If intake is adequate, the antioxidant content in paprika, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, has an important role in improving eye health,” he said.
This antioxidant can protect the retina and the walls of the eye which are sensitive to light and oxidative damage.
3. Prevent Cancer
Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, red peppers contain beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant that can be converted into vitamin A. This nutritional content can help reduce the risk of bladder cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.
According to a dietitian from the United States, Lara Whitson, RD, LD, beta-cryptoxanthin can protect body cells from changes that cause cancer.
4. Protects Brain Health
The anthocyanin content in paprika turns out to have a protective effect on brain cells. This one compound can help slow memory problems and cognitive impairment that occur with age.
For this reason, consuming paprika can help the brain get nutrients so it can function well.
5. Supports Kidney Health
Paprika contains low potassium, phosphorus and sodium, but is high in antioxidants. This is one of the benefits of paprika for the kidneys.
In addition, the content of vitamin A in paprika can also help maintain endurance for people with kidney disease.
Those are the various benefits of peppers for the body. Even though they have a variety of colors, peppers can meet nutritional needs. Therefore, you can add paprika to your diet.
6. Treating Symptoms of Arthritis
The vitamin C content in paprika can help reduce pain due to arthritis.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of paprika can also help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. This one disease is a condition of inflammation and bone damage that occurs in cartilage.
7. Improves the Immune System
Paprika contains vitamin C which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Not only that, the antioxidant content in paprika can also protect body cells from oxidative damage.
8. Contains Capsaicin which is Good for the Body
The capsaicin in paprika actually functions to provide a hot taste. However, this content also has good health benefits, for example it can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
Apart from that, capsaicin can also fight bacteria that cause ulcers, so that the body’s immunity can remain healthy.
9. Prevent Anemia
Paprika is a good source of iron and vitamin C for the body. Not surprisingly, the benefits of green, red and yellow peppers can help prevent anemia.
Anemia is a condition when the number of red blood cells is lower than normal values which can cause symptoms of fatigue and weakness. One of the most common causes of anemia is a lack of iron intake.
By consuming paprika, this can meet the needs of iron in the body, so that the risk of anemia can be reduced.
10. Maintain Intestinal Health
Paprika is a good source of fiber for the body. Therefore, the benefits of red peppers can maintain intestinal health.
Based on Gut Microbes, the consumption of foods rich in fiber can promote the interaction of the body’s metabolism. This can maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and prevent constipation.
In addition, increasing fiber intake can also protect the body from digestive system disorders, such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
11. Lose Weight
Eating more fruit and vegetables can help maintain a healthy weight. In fact, the benefits of yellow, red and green peppers can also reduce weight.
What’s more, bell peppers are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain other nutrients that are good for supporting a weight loss diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1: What are the health benefits of paprika for the body?
A1: Paprika offers various health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants like vitamin A and C, which support immune function and skin health. It also contains capsaicin, which may help with metabolism and pain relief.
Q2: How does paprika support skin health?
A2: Paprika’s high content of vitamin A and C contributes to healthy skin by promoting collagen production and protecting against damage from free radicals. This can lead to improved skin texture and a more youthful appearance.
Q3: Can paprika help with metabolism?
A3: Yes, paprika contains capsaicin, a compound known to boost metabolism. By increasing thermogenesis, capsaicin can aid in burning calories and potentially support weight management.
Q4: Is paprika beneficial for the immune system?
A4: Absolutely, paprika’s significant vitamin C content strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells and helps the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Q5: Does paprika have pain-relieving properties?
A5: Yes, capsaicin found in paprika has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. It can reduce the production of pain-related neurotransmitters, offering relief for various types of discomfort.