Health Benefits Of Capsicum

Capsicum is a vegetable that comes in an exciting range of colors, like green, red and yellow. It is native to America and in fact, has been cultivated by the people of the tropical Americas since the past thousands of years. Known by a number of names, like chili pepper, bell pepper and red or green pepper, the vegetable is used as a spice, medicine and obviously, a vegetable. Apart from being good in taste, capsicum also holds a great degree of nutritional value and accords numerous health benefits to its users. In the following lines, we have listed the nutrition benefits of eating capsicum.

• Carotenoids (Capsanthin, Capsorubin, Carotene and Lutein)
• Proteins
• Fats
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Capsaicinoid Oleoresin
• Provitamins E, P, B1, B2 and B3
• Steroidal Alkaloidal Glycosides (Solanine and Solasadine)
• Scopoletin (Coumarin)

• Capsicum has been known to be beneficial to the mucous membranes. It is also good for eyesight as well as smooth skin.
• The vegetable encourages healing and helps the body ward off infections.
• Capsicum promotes cardiovascular health, by helping lower the blood pressure.
• The vegetable has antioxidant properties, which help neutralize the free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells.
• Capsicum is full of anti-inflammatory properties.
• The vegetable helps reduce cholesterol and thus, is effective in warding off strokes and heart attacks.
• It has been seen that capsicum speeds up the metabolism and helps burn more calories. Thus, it if good for those trying to lose weight.
• The vegetable has proved to be quite beneficial for treating colds and fevers.
• Capsicum stimulates stomach secretions and improves digestion.
• By helping lower triglycerides, the vegetable helps keep cholesterol in control.
• Capsicum is known to have a laxative effect and is good for those suffering from constipation.
• The vegetable triggers the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters produced in the brain, which reduce pain.
• Regular consumption of capsicum is believed to be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes.
• The vegetable has been said to be helpful in improving digestion, as it increases the stomach secretions.
• Capsicum has been found to be useful in the treatment of chronic rhinitis.
• The vegetable has been found helpful in slowing down the assimilation of fat in the intestines.
• Regular consumption of capsicum can help the body fight against obesity.
• The vegetable is rich in beta carotene, capsaicin and vitamins A and C, all of which work together to prevent a host of diseases, including live disease and impotency.
• Capsicum has the ability to starve cancer cells and tumors of oxygen, thus making them die.
• Many herbalists recommend the vegetable for treating sluggish metabolism, cold hands and feet; obesity and respiratory tract infections.
• Capsicum can also be used externally, for treating arthritis, sore back muscles, rheumatism or sprains and bruises.