 Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Interesting facts about Capsicum - Excellent source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene. - Excellent source of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin K and molybdenum. - Very good source of copper, Vitamin B1 (thiamin) and folate.
- Good source of potassium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), tryptophan and magnesium.
- 1/2 of chopped bell red peppers contains only 20 calories.
- Contain a recessive gene which eliminates capsaisin, the compound responsible for the "hotness" of other types of peppers.
- A sweet green pepper that is not yet ride. Let it grow and it will turn red.
- Rich in anti-oxidants.
- One medium sweet red pepper contains more than 3 times the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin C.
The History of Peppers Peppers, both sweet and hot, were first cultivated in Central and South America some 2,000 years ago. These busy, woody-stemmed plants were cultivated prior to the time of Columbus, who is said to have visited South America and then introduced them to Europe after his first voyage to the New World (1493). Portuguese traders eventually brought them to India, and from there they spread to South-East Asia. Red peppers, native to the warm, temperate and tropical regions of America, are also cultivated widely elsewhere. Peppers have become a staple in Central Europe where they are dried for paprika, a necessity for the flavor of Louisiana Creole dishes, and an integral ingredient in both Mexican and Portuguese cuisines. Currently, the main producers of sweet peppers are China, Turkey, Spain, Romania, Nigeria and Mexico. The Benefits of Peppers Peppers are an excellent of both Vitamin C and Beta-carotene. Vitamin C can prevent cancer of the colon, bladder, cervix, lung, pancreas, mouth, stomach, esophagus, breast and cervix, due to it's anti-oxidant ability. (Protects against free radicals) Vitamin C has also been known to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, blood clotting and heart disease. Diets rich in beta-carotene have also been associated with a lower risk of developing many kids of cancer. Studies have suggested that beta-carotene enhance both anti-microbial functions and immunity against tumors by increasing the activity of natural cell killers. One study has shown that cardiovascular disease events dropped almost 50% in a group of heart disease prone men who took beta-carotene supplements every day for five years. Peppers appear to have a protective effect against cataracts, probably due to their high Vitamin C and beta-carotene content. Peppers supply the photo nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, found to protect against macular degeneration. Classification Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae Related Article: Blood Pressure |
