Healthy Bell Pepper is Easy on the Eyes and Gut Health

Did you know how healthy bell pepper is for you and your gut health? Bell peppers have a ton of antioxidants and vitamins, making them an excellent addition to your meal rotation.

For meal ideas with bell peppers, check out Is the Best Kung Pao Shrimp Healthy? How to Make Kung Pao Shrimp with Peanuts in 5 Easy Steps or Roasted and Stuffed Peppers with Lime Vinaigrette! 

HEALTHY MICRO SUPERSTARS FEATURED IN Bell Peppers

healthy skin, better immune system, good for your eyes!

Vitamin B6 is a central compound in our bodies. It helps regulate our cell metabolism and overall physiology.

Healthy Benefits of Bell Peppers 

Bell peppers are often thought of as vegetables, but they are actually fruits. High in water, similar to cucumbers, bell peppers are a nutrient dense vegetable. With a low calorie burden, bell peppers pack a good deal of nutritional benefit with little cost. They are an excellent source of healthy carbs, protein, fat, and fiber. Similar to kale and carrots, the antioxidants in bell peppers support healthy eyes. Additionally, as a rich source of vitamin C, they may prevent anemia or low iron levels. 

Healthy Bell Pepper Improves Your Eyes 

Doctors have found certain antioxidants support eye health. Antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin decrease eye degeneration and likelihood for cataracts (Abdel-Aal et al., 2013; Carpentier et al., 2009; Moeller et al., 2000). Results show consumption of these antioxidants in food can largely decrease your risk for cataracts (Karppi et al., 2012; Delcourt et al., 2006; Seddon et al., 1994).

Lutein and zeaxanthin also protect your retina! Your retina is the inner wall of your eye that is light sensitive. Have you ever had drops put into your eyes to dilate them? That light sensitivity is related to your exposed retina (Griff, 2018). Over time and lacking proper nutrients, your retina can become damaged. However, bell peppers may slow oxidative damage to your retina due to aging (Bone et al., 2000; Whitehead et al., 2006). Yet another reason to incorporate bell peppers into your weekly dinner rotation.

Bell Peppers Increase Your Body’s Iron

Did you know bell peppers can increase your iron? Popeye had spinach but maybe Olive was secretly stuffing bell peppers in the kitchen. With both high levels of iron and vitamin C, doctors have found eating vegetables high in these vitamins can significantly increase iron levels (Péneau et al., 2008). Particularly for premenopausal women, or those without sufficient iron levels (Péneau et al., 2008).

Bell Pepper Micro Nutrients

In addition to these benefits, bell peppers are high in vitamins that can support your overall health (Sun et al., 2007). Micro superstars residing within bell peppers include: 

• beta-carotene, which helps your body build vitamin A (Marín et al., 2004). 
• Vitamin B6 which supports red blood cell development, an important component to our immune system. 
• Vitamin K which helps our body clot blood. Anyone with/or has had a toddler knows how important this is, as they are constantly banging their bodies into something. 
• Potassium, which may support heart health (Whelton & He, 2014).
• Quercetin, which has been shown to support heart health and prevent other chronic disease (Marin et al., 2004). Although it is worth saying that green bell peppers are higher in polyphenol levels and therefore better for this particular aim, than colored bell peppers (Marin et al., 2004).

Eat Bell Peppers Today, Your Eyes Will Thank You!

Even the Lasik Vision Institute reports that lutein and zeaxanthin are integral components to eye health. Lutein and Zeaxanthin can not only prevent free radicals from damaging our eyes, they have also been connected to reducing our risk of blindness as we age (Ma et al., 2012; Seddon et al., 1994). So, do your eyes a favor and try eating bell peppers today! If you’re still looking for recipes with bell peppers, try White Bean and Farfalle Soup in the Instant Pot or Ham, Green Pepper, and Onion Pizza on the Grill.