Capsicum is a less spicy variety with many colors, such as red, yellow, green, and orange. The scientific name of capsicum is Capsicum annum, which belongs to the family Solanaceae. Capsicum is also known as “Bell peppers” in America
- Capsicum is native to southern Northern America and the Caribbean
- Capsicum is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae cultivated worldwide
Size: Average height ranges from 30 to 90 cm
Shape: Block shape to a point capsicum
Color: Green at first then turned red, orange, yellow, or purple-black when they ripe further
Flavor: Red capsicum is the sweetest due to its higher sugar content and is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. Orange and yellow have almost as much sugar as the red variety
Capsicum: Properties, Uses, and Supplements
Properties
Capsicum has various health benefits too;
- Capsicum helps the risk of cancer
- Capsicum assists in reducing the inflammation
- Heart-friendly ingredient
- Capsicum helps in reducing the anxiety
- Excellent rich in nutrients
- Helps in reducing various chronic diseases
- Capsicum is beneficial for the skin, liver, and brain
Uses/ways
- Serve capsicum raw in salads
- If you prefer to cook them, opt for stir-frying or roasting, which preserve more of their vitamins
- Both membranes containers are edible
Supplements in Capsicum
Capsicum contains 94% water, and 5% carbohydrates, with a little amount of protein and fats. These bright-colored vegetables are quite high in Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, besides ample amounts of vitamins B 2, B 6, niacin, folate, and riboflavin
Nutrients
Capsicum is packed many with many nutrients that are associated with numerous health benefits like improving metabolism and good for cardiovascular health. The following nutrients are present in 100 grams of capsicum.
- Calories: 20
- Water: 94%
- Protein: 0.9g
- Carbs: 4.6g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sugar: 2.4g
| How to grow capsicum? |
Unique benefits of Capsicum
Capsicums are unique sources of nutrients and might be helpful to human health. Some of the hidden uses of capsicum are described as follows:
Assists in managing diabetes
Capsicum has capsaicin which has a positive effect on diabetic patients. Recent studies emphasized that the inclusion of capsicum and vegetable aids in the management of type 2 diabetes. More than one variant of this vegetable could help to lower glucose sugar levels in the case of type 1 diabetes
Good for cardiovascular health
Reports published support that consuming red hot chili peppers almost every day had a reduced chance of mortality risk as opposed to those who did not. This is because the flavonoids present in the capsicum have a preventive action against coronary heart diseases and obesity
Helps reduce inflammation
Capsicums are high in antioxidants, which reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the root cause of most chronic diseases today. Pepper’s health benefits include inflammation and improving the immune system by reducing inflammatory factors
Can prevent cancer
Red pepper is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances and has a variety of anti-cancer properties. Capsicum also contains sulfur compounds that promote health. Pepper/capsicum enzyme helps prevent gastric cancer and esophageal cancer. The carotenoid can effectively prevent prostate cancer, bladder cancer pancreatic cancer, and cervical cancer.
Assists in improving metabolism
Such active compounds are present in capsicum which helps to activate thermogenesis and increase the metabolic rate. Chillis and capsicum don’t increase your heartbeat and blood pressure but help you to lose weight.
Boon for eye
Capsicums are especially rich in Vitamin A and also a source of carotenoid which helps in maintaining healthy eyesight, especially night vision, and reduces the risk of macular degeneration ( an eye disease that can blur your central vision
Good for arthritis
As we already discussed that it has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing the pain
Cure yellow fever
Capsicum act as a potent analgesic improves resistance in the body and fortifies immunity against yellow fever
Side effects of Capsicum
- Excessive intake leads to bloating or swelling of the face, lower legs, hands, feet, and arms
- The most prominent overuse of the capsicum is stabbing pain
- Throat irritation is also the major factor of eating too much capsicum, as the excess of anything is bad for health
- Leads to eye irritation or pain are the sudden side effects of capsicum
- Mc Dowell said that it is so hard for the body to break down fully capsicum especially if taken raw, it is because the outer skin of capsicum is so tough and fibrous
- Allergic persons are not allowed to take capsicum especially when their doctor recommended not to take it, so it would be better if you talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professionals first
FAQ
How long does capsicum take to harvest?
Harvesting of capsicums depends on their variety
Green = 55-60 days
Yellow= 70-75 days
Red= 80-90 days
Is capsicum and bell pepper the same?
Yes, In the US they are known as bell pepper while in Uk they are known as peppers.
Why is capsicum good for you?
Because capsicum is loaded with several nutrients that are associated with countless health benefits like improving metabolism and good for cardiovascular health.
