Not only can it be processed into various types of delicious dishes, it turns out that there are many health benefits of paprika, ranging from improving digestion to maintaining eye health. These benefits are obtained from the various nutritional content in paprika.
Like tomatoes and cucumbers, many may think of peppers as a type of vegetable. However, paprika (Capsicum annuum) is one type of fruit that is often used as a complementary ingredient in cooking.
Paprika has a taste that is almost like chili, but not too spicy. Based on the color, peppers are divided into several types, namely red, yellow, green and orange peppers. However, the four types of paprika have nutritional content that is not much different.
Nutritional Content of Paprika
In a serving of paprika or about 150 grams of paprika, there are approximately 30–40 calories and various nutrients, such as:
- 1–1.5 grams of protein
- 8–9 grams of carbohydrates
- 0.3–0.5 grams fat
- 2–3 grams of fiber
- 150–170 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin A
- 120–120 mg (milligrams) of vitamin C
- 1.5–1.7 mg of vitamin E
- 200–220 mg potassium
- 12–15 mg magnesium
- 7–10 mg calcium
Bell peppers also contain B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, folate, zinc, manganese, and lutein. Not only that, paprika is also rich in antioxidants.
Various Benefits of Peppers for Health
Due to its diverse nutritional content, there are many health benefits of paprika that can be obtained, including:
1. Maintain eye health
Peppers contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as various vitamins that can maintain eye health, such as vitamin A and vitamin E. The content of these peppers can prevent damage to retinal cells in the eye and reduce the risk of cataracts.
2. Prevent anemia
Anemia is a condition when the body lacks red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This condition is characterized by symptoms of the body being easily tired, pale skin, dizzy eyes, and shortness of breath.
To prevent anemia, you can eat foods that contain iron, folate, and vitamin B12. You can also get these three ingredients from paprika.
Paprika is also rich in vitamin C. This vitamin can increase the absorption of iron in the body, so that the production of blood cells is always sufficient and prevents you from the risk of anemia or lack of blood.
3. Reduce inflammation
Bell peppers are high in antioxidants and the compound capsaicin, which is the substance that gives peppers and chili peppers their spicy taste, as well as other spices. The content is known to be good for reducing inflammation.
4. Lowers the risk of cancer
The content of antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C in bell peppers has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
This is why a healthy diet by increasing consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, including bell peppers, can reduce the risk of cancer.
However, further research is still needed to prove the effect of consuming paprika in preventing cancer.
5. Lose weight
In addition to reducing inflammation, the capsaicin content in bell peppers and chilies is also thought to help with weight loss. This is thanks to the effect of capsaicin which can increase metabolism, so that more calories and fat tissue are burned.
In addition, paprika also contains a lot of fiber, so you will feel full longer. This will reduce the urge to overeat or snack.
However, you can't just rely on peppers for weight loss. Ideal body weight needs to be achieved with a healthy lifestyle, namely regular exercise and reducing consumption of high-calorie foods.
6. Maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels
The antioxidant content in paprika can also reduce the risk of blockages in the heart blood vessels, so that blood flow can remain smooth. This effect makes paprika useful as one of the good foods to prevent heart disease.
Some of the benefits above show that paprika is very good for body health. However, in some people, paprika may cause allergies. However, cases of allergy to paprika are very rare.
To get the benefits of paprika, you can process it into a mixture of various dishes, such as stir-fried meat, omelet, or as an appetizer toppings on pizza. Apart from being consumed as food, paprika is also available in the form of paprika extract supplements.
If your body's health condition is good, it never hurts to make paprika as an addition to your daily diet.
However, if you have certain conditions, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, or allergies to paprika, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first to find out whether paprika is safe for you to consume regularly.