HEALTH BENEFITS

I took an interest in Bell Peppers because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties come from the bioactive compounds contained in the Peppers, specifically the nutrient Vitamin C and several types of carotenoids.

Carotenoids are natural pigments that give Bell Peppers, as well as other vegetables, their color. Bell peppers change colors as they ripen, from Green to Yellow to Orange and Red. The amount of Vitamin C and carotenoids contained in the Bell Peppers also increase as they ripen.

Red Bell Peppers have the greatest amount of Vitamin C and carotenoids. The Red carotenoids are also the most powerful carotenoids. Therefore, Red Bell Peppers are the most antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

HOW I USE BELL PEPPERS

As a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),I use Bell Peppers to help manage my MS. When I discovered that inflammation can cause MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms, I incorporated Bell Peppers into my beneficial diet to do the following:

• Use their anti-inflammatory properties to help manage inflammation.
• Use their antioxidant properties to protect the cells of the body from oxidative stress, which is linked to disease, a major source of inflammation.

So, Bell Peppers help manage inflammation and a major source of inflammation.

And managing inflammation, helps manage my MS.

PREFERENCES

I prefer to eat the more colorful Bell Peppers, due to their more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and pleasant taste.

I also prefer to use Red Bell Pepper powder, frozen prepared (ie. cleaned and cut) Bell Peppers, and fresh mini-peppers, rather than deal with fresh whole Bell Peppers. Since I have arms and hands weakened by my MS, dry, frozen prepared, and fresh mini ingredients are easier to work with, making them helpful cooking shortcuts.

RECIPES

I use Red Bell Peppers in the following recipes:

Feel free to check out my other recipes.

HAVE BELL PEPPERS HELPED ME?

Yes. I believe Bell Peppers have contributed to the anti-inflammatory nature of my beneficial diet.

I have not witnessed or identified any other benefits, but i look forward to seeing what the future brings.

CAUTION

Due to the ever possible occurrence of product contamination, I always double check my sources and check ingredient lists before trying a new item.

Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, so I do my research and keep my eyes open to any potentially dangerous reactions, especially drug interactions, when I try anything new.

Ingesting large amounts of anything can also be harmful, especially Bell Peppers that can cause gastric distress, so I always consume in moderation.

-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy

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REFERENCES

Anaya-Esparza, L. M., Mora, Z. V., Vázquez-Paulino, O., Ascencio, F., & Villarruel-López, A. (2021). Bell Peppers (Capsicum annum L.) Losses and Wastes: Source for Food and Pharmaceutical Applications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(17), 5341.

Bhatt, T., & Patel, K. (2020). Carotenoids: Potent to Prevent Diseases Review. Natural products and bioprospecting, 10(3), 109–117.

Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2022). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ascorbic Acid.  Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(10), 1993.

Martínez, S., López, M., González-Raurich, M., & Bernardo Alvarez, A. (2005). The effects of ripening stage and processing systems on vitamin C content in sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 56(1), 45–51.

Mohd Hassan, N., Yusof, N. A., Yahaya, A. F., Mohd Rozali, N. N., & Othman, R. (2019). Carotenoids of Capsicum Fruits: Pigment Profile and Health-Promoting Functional Attributes. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(10), 469.

Sun, T., Xu, Z., Wu, C. T., Janes, M., Prinyawiwatkul, W., & No, H. K. (2007). Antioxidant activities of different colored sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.).  Journal of food science, 72(2), S98–S102.

Science Direct: Bell Peppers

Encyclopedia Britannica: Bell Pepper

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Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s experiences.

The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.