BELL PEPPER

            Bell pepper have several types and colors. We can find varieties in green, red, yellow,   orange, brown, purple and black colors. Bell pepper color red or green is a good source of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. 

            The combination of bell pepper antioxidants, along with their high levels of flavonoids, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, dietary fiber and over 30 carotenoids, make bell peppers one of the most effective weapons against cancer. Sweet bell pepper contains small levels of capsaicin that laboratory studies suggest that has anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and analgesic properties. Several Korean studies have found an association between bell pepper consumption and lower incidence of breast cancer. Also, a flavonoid
component of bell pepper called "Apigenin", has potent growth-inhibitory effect in the type HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer. 

           Bell pepper has very few calories, a property that can help reduce cholesterol levels in obese individuals. Bell pepper contains good levels of iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium that are essential minerals to promote health and prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, eye disorders, and diabetes. 

           

 MY USES

 I use raw bell pepper to make salsas and smoothies.

 I add chopped bell peppers to quinoa, brown rice, soups, and omelets.
 I eat grill bell peppers together with fish, chicken or turkey.