10 Health Benefits And Recipes Of Capsicum

Capsicums are an excellent addition to your diet, whether stuffed, sautéed, or raw.

Capsicum is a native American plant that is now cultivated worldwide. They are available in various colours, including green, yellow, and red.

The name capsicum is primarily used in New Zealand, India, Singapore, and Australia. These coloured peppers have a milder flavour than their green counterparts. They are called bell peppers in South Africa and North America.

Capsicum can be served raw and cooked in salads, meats, and rice dishes. This blog will explore the several health benefits of capsicum, including weight loss.
What Are The Capsicum’s Health Benefits?
Here are some of the health benefits associated with capsicum. Have a peek!

Contributes To Calorie Burning
Capsicum increases metabolic rate by inducing thermogenesis. In addition, the chemical capsaicin causes spiciness, boosting calorie expenditure and aiding in weight loss.
Contributes to Detoxification
Capsicum reduces mucus production in the lungs, which keeps the airways free and facilitates the elimination of pollutants through perspiration. Thus, it assists in lung detox.
Beneficial To Eye Health
Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, capsicum improves eye health by enhancing eyesight. Additionally, it is abundant in the pigment lutein, which protects macular degeneration. In addition, vitamin C in the eye prevents the formation of cataracts.

Carotenoids found in relatively high concentrations in bell peppers, lutein and zeaxanthin may benefit eye health when ingested in sufficient quantities. According to a National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study, they prevent oxidative damage to the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the eye.
Reduces Cancer Danger
Capsicum is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which combat free radicals caused by oxidative damage in the body. Additionally, capsicum contains sulphur compounds that lessen the risk of oesophagal and stomach cancer. In addition, the lycopene carotenoid protects against pancreatic, prostate, bladder, and cervical cancer.
Enhances Immunity
According to the article on vitamin C research, capsicum’s vitamin C and K content enhance immunity by lowering arthritis and improving joint flexibility. Additionally, vitamin K helps prevent blood clotting.
Enhances Heart Health
According to a 2017 survey, persons who eat red hot chilli peppers nearly every day had a lower risk of mortality than those who did not.

This is due to the presence of flavonoids in the skin of capsicum and other related vegetables, which are protective against coronary heart disease and obesity.
Treats Digestive Problems
Capsicum is abundant in tannins, which treat digestive disorders such as diarrhoea and dysentery, thereby protecting the gut lining.

Numerous studies have shown that capsicum stimulates stomach mucus formation and aids in treating peptic ulcer disease.
Controls Hypertension
Capsicum is high in potassium, which aids with hypertension management. Additionally, potassium reduces bodily bloating and swelling. In addition, the potassium in capsicum improves muscle function.
Reduces the appearance of ageing
By lowering oxidative damage, vitamin C and antioxidants in capsicum reduce the onset of ageing. Additionally, it minimises wrinkles, fine lines, and skin allergies.

Prevents Anxiety
Capsicum’s magnesium and B6 concentration prevent premenstrual anxiety in women, which is triggered by the premenstrual phase. Vitamin B6 is a natural diuretic that lowers water retention and bloating.
Nutritional Value Of Capsicum
These nutrients are present in 100g of capsicum:

Calories – 26kcal
Protein – 0.99g
Fat – 0.3g
Protein – 0.99g
Fibre – 2g
Potassium – 211mg
Sodium – 2mg
Vitamin C – 123mg
Vitamin A – 55mcg
Beta-carotene – 328mg
Folic acid – 52mcg
Capsicum Recipes
Here are the two most common recipes for capsicum that you should attempt.
1. Schezwan Fried Capsicum
A crispy side dish flavoured with Szechwan sauce and savoury spices.
Ingredients
Capsicum- 2, chopped in strips
Ingredients Oil- 1 tsp
Green chillies- 1 chopped
Ginger garlic paste- 1 ½ tsp
Schezwan chutney/ sauce- 1 ½ tsp
Spring onion- 1, medium chopped
Corn flour- 1 ½ tbsp
Water, as required
Salt, as per taste
Method of Preparation
Add salt and water to corn flour to create a thick slurry.
Dip the capsicum strips in it, and after dipping each strip in the slurry, cook them in the microwave until they are crisp.
Heat the oil, green chilli, ginger, and garlic paste in a deep skillet for two minutes.
Add the chopped green onions and cook for one minute.
Add the Szechwan sauce and simmer for 30 seconds.
Add the air-fried or microwaved capsicum to the pan, sauté for one minute, taste for seasoning, remove to a serving dish, and serve the crisp schezwan-stuffed capsicum.
2. Capsicum Chutney
Capsicum chutney with a south Indian flavour served with dosa or idli.
Ingredients
Sesame oil- 1 ½ tsp
Chopped capsicum- ½ cup
Sesame seeds- 1 tsp
Chana dal- 1 tsp
Udad dal- 1 tsp
Curry leaves- 5-6 leaves
Kashmiri red chilli – 1 big
Grated fresh coconut- ⅓ cup
Hing- 1 pinch
Mustard seed- ½ tsp
Tamarind pulp- 1 tsp
Salt, to taste
Method of Preparation
Add 1 tsp oil, urad dal, and chana dal to a skillet, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until the colour changes.
Add the dry Kashmiri chilli, sesame seeds, hing, curry leaves, and sauté for one minute.
Add chopped capsicum and salt for four to five minutes over medium heat.
Add tamarind pulp and grated coconut for one minute.
After cooling the ingredients, puree them in a blender to create a homogeneous paste.
In a skillet, combine oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
Allow the seeds to sputter, then pour the tempering over the chutney and serve alongside idli or dosa.
The Final Say
Capsicum contains numerous nutrients, including vitamin C, B6, iron, potassium, etc. It is one of the healthful vegetables that may be eaten cooked or raw and contains a significant amount of antioxidants. However, excessive use of capsicum might cause acid reflux and gastrointestinal distress in specific individuals.

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