31 Amazing Benefits of Capsicum
Capsicum or bell pepper is a less pungent variety of pepper available in different colors like red capsicum, green capsicum, and yellow capsicum. It is native to South and Central America but is now cultivated in many regions of the world.
It provides numerous health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Capsicum
Some of the major health benefits of capsicum are as follows
(1) Make Our Immune System Stronger
Capsicum strengthens the immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and injuries, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in capsicum protect the white blood cells aka immune cells from free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immune system.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells in the body, and further strengthens immunity.
A stronger immune system dramatically reduces the risk of getting infected by a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex in the capsicum play a significant role in boosting the immune response of the body.
(2) Helps In Curing Iron Deficiency Or Anemia
Capsicum helps in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.
Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder mainly caused by the deficiency of iron in the blood and gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and dizziness, etc.
Iron in capsicum increases red blood cells that carry oxygenated blood to the cells of the body and minimizes the risk of anemia.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body and provides additional benefits against anemia.
(3) Promotes Detoxification
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in capsicum eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body and prevent the toxins from causing havoc to the health.
Detoxifying properties of the capsicum significantly reduces the burden of detoxification from vital organs like the liver and kidneys and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Eating capsicum clears out the congested mucous membrane in the nose and lungs and eliminates toxins out the body through sweating.
(4) Provides Antioxidantal Benefits and Minimizes Cancer Risk
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the capsicum protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, intestinal cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize themselves by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them.
Capsicum promotes apoptosis, a process in which cancer cells starve themselves and commit suicide.
Antioxidants also provide several other benefits like improved cardiovascular health, stronger immunity, improved respiratory health, etc.
(5) Good Source Of Vitamin B6 And Magnesium
Capsicum is an excellent source of vitamin B6 and magnesium that provides several benefits to us. Vitamin B6 and magnesium decrease anxiety caused by premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin B6 is a diuretic that flushes out toxins from the body, reduces high blood pressure, and reduces bloating.
(6) Good For Eyes
Capsicum is good for the eyes, the sensory organ that allows us to enjoy the beauty of the world.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our eyes from the free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Beta carotene in capsicum converts to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and minimizes the risk of night blindness.
(7) Promotes Weight Loss
Capsaicin in the capsicum enhances the secretion of digestive juices, causes a thermogenesis effect, and increases the metabolic rate of the body without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.
With increased metabolism, our body burns more calories and this helps in getting rid of the stored fats from the body.
100 grams of capsicum provides 26 calories of energy which means they don’t cause a calorie overload to the diet they are added to.
Dietary fibers in the capsicum provide stomach satiety, prevent the urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
(8) Improves Digestive Health
Capsicum is good for the stomach and improves our digestive health due to the presence of essential nutrients in them.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and other relevant antioxidantal compounds in the capsicum protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, stomach cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in capsicum improve bowel movement, ensures smooth elimination of stool, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, upset stomach, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, colic pain, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
Capsaicin in the capsicum enhances the secretion of digestive juices and thus improves our digestive health.
Other nutrients like magnesium, vitamin B complex, and zinc, etc also contribute to healthier digestion.
(9) Provides Relief From Pain
Capsicum is very beneficial in relieving body pain because of the presence of capsaicin in it. Capsaicin blocks the pain transmission to the body and thus reduces body pain. Other than this, it also provides relief from symptoms of pain-related diseases. Capsicum is also beneficial in providing relief from several other problems like toothache, sickness, alcoholism symptoms, fever, malaria, and difficulty in swallowing.
As an excellent source of capsaicin, capsicum reduces body pain by blocking the pain transmission to the body. It is also effective against toothache, sickness, alcoholism symptoms, fever, malaria, and difficulty in swallowing.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the vitamin C in capsicum provide relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma.
(10) Strengthens Bones
Capsicum strengthens our bones and teeth as it contains several bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, vitamin K and magnesium, etc.
Calcium is an essential mineral that aids in the growth and development of the bones, and lack of this mineral can give rise to bone disorders like osteoporosis. It is a condition in which our bones become weak and fragile, and are likely to fracture easily.
Potassium in capsicum improves bone density as it neutralizes acid load and minimizes calcium loss from the bones.
Other nutrients like vitamin K, magnesium, and vitamin B complex also contribute to better bone health.
Additionally, the inflammatory properties of vitamin C protect the bones and muscles from pain and inflammation and are effective against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and back pain, etc.
(11) Treats Mind Problems
Capsicum is effective against hay fever, migraine, dizziness, headache, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergy, and infections because of its rich nutritional profile and excellent antimicrobial properties.
(12) Reduces Effects Of Carcinogenic And Toxic Substance
The anti-carcinogenic properties of vitamin C and vitamin E in capsicum protect us from various carcinogenic and toxic compounds.
(13) Treats Nose Bleeding
Capsicum repairs and strengthens the mucous membrane lining of the nose and minimizes the occurrence of nose bleeding.
(14) Strengthens Respiratory System
Capsicum benefits our lungs and strengthens our respiratory system.
Since it is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, it protects our respiratory system from the free radical damage and promotes it to function at an optimal level.
Vitamin C possesses anti-inflammatory properties and provides relief from pain and inflammation one may experience during respiratory problems like lung infection, asthma, bronchial asthma, etc.
Other nutrients like vitamin B complex, potassium, and magnesium, etc also contribute to improved respiratory health.
(15) Maintains Body Fluid And Mineral Balance
Potassium, a vital mineral in the capsicum aids in maintaining fluid and mineral balance in the body.
(16) Treats Food Poisoning And Fungal Infections
Capsicum assists in getting relief from food poisoning and treats other fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot etc because of its’s antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.
(17) Good For Brain
With an abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, capsicum strengthens our brain and is good for our neurological health.
Antioxidantal compounds like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, phytonutrients, and polyphenols in capsicum protect the neurons or the brain cells from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Capsicum also provides several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better concentration, increased mental clarity, reduced brain fog or confusion, etc as it contains essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and vitamin B complex, etc.
(18) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers in capsicum manage cholesterol level as it reduces LDL cholesterol from the body.
It prevents the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis. It is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Antioxidantal compounds like vitamin C and vitamin E protect the arteries and overall circulatory system from free radical damage and improves its efficiency.
(19) Regulates Blood Pressure
Potassium, a natural vasodilator in the capsicum relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure. It is a common health problem that affects millions of people across the world and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular and other problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, etc.
(20) Strengthens Cardiovascular System
Since capsicum is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, it strengthens our cardiovascular system and keeps our heart healthy.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds such as phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Dietary fibers regulate LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Potassium in capsicum regulates blood pressure and provides relief from hypertension which could otherwise give rise to several cardiovascular and other health problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, blood in urine, etc.
Beauty Benefits Of Capsicum For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of capsicum are as follows
(1) Minimizes Signs of Premature Aging
Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, and as well as other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the capsicum protect our skin cells from free radical damage and thus minimizes several signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances collagen production that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(2) Keep Our Skin Healthy And Young
Capsicum keeps our skin young and healthy due to the abundance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers in them.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect the skin from free radical damage and keeps premature aging at bay.
Vitamin E provides nourishes and rejuvenates the skin, and keeps it healthy.
Vitamin C boosts collagen production that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
Capsicum is a wonderful skin detoxifier that eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from skin pores and thus minimizes skin problems like acne, pimples, and eczema, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, and B vitamins also contribute to skin health. It brings out the natural glow of the skin and makes it soft, supple, and radiant.
(3) Helps In Healing Shingles And Athlete’s Foot
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of capsicum aids in the treatment of infections like shingles and athlete’s foot as it alleviates the healing process. However, capsicum can only offer this small help, and shingles and athlete’s foot can be best treated only with proper medication.
(4) Clear Skin Blemishes & Rashes
The abundance of essential nutrients in the capsicum makes it very beneficial for clearing out skin blemishes like age spots and dark spots etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the capsicum protects the skin from free radical damage and keeps signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
It enhances collagen that maintains skin elasticity to prevents saggy and wrinkly skin.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, it is also effective against skin problems like skin rashes, etc.
(5) Provide Relief From Acne and Pimples
Capsicum helps in the prevention of various skin problems like acne, pimples eczema and psoriasis, etc because of its wonderful skin cleansing properties and essential nutrients.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people across the globe and mainly occurs due to the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores.
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in capsicum eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores, and this minimizes the risk of acne, pimples, and other skin problems.
Dietary fibers also regulate the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
Other nutrients like zinc, vitamin B complex, iron, and selenium, etc also contribute to improved skin health.
(6) Make Our Skin Healthy And Tight
Capsicum is a natural skin tighter that aids in maintaining our skin elasticity.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant present in the capsicum protects the skin cells from free radical damage and keeps signs of premature aging at bay.
Additionally, it also enhances the production of collagen, an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and is mainly found in the connective tissues like bones, tendons, joints, and cartilages, etc.
It tightens our skin, improves skin health, and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(7) Protects Our Skin From UV Rays
Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun can wreak havoc on the health and may cause wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, solar keratosis, and eye problems, etc.
Capsicum protects us from the ill effects of the harmful UV rays of the sun as it contains several antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols that protect our skin from the oxidative damage caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Beauty Benefits Of Capsicum For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of capsicum for hair.
(1) Supports Healthy Hair And Nails
Capsicum contains silicon which is an essential mineral that keeps our nails and hair healthy.
It provides orthosilicic acid to the nails and has a positive impact on the brittleness of the nails.
Silicon provides a natural shine to hair and minimizes the risk of hair loss.
(2) Promotes Hair Growth
Capsicum promotes hair growth because of its rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the capsicum protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and minimizes premature greying of hair, split ends, dry hair, etc.
Iron and potassium in capsicum improves blood circulation in the scalp and ensures proper nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
It promotes the growth of new hair follicles and also strengthens existing hair.
Other nutrients like zinc, selenium, and B vitamins also contribute to better hair health.
To promote hair growth, boil some bell peppers in water for 5-6 minutes. Let it cool to a comfortable temperature and gently massage this water on your scalp using a cotton pad. Let it air dry for 15 minutes, and then wash off with water.
Repeat twice a week to improve the blood circulation of the scalp, and for promoting hair growth.
(3) Strengthens Hair Follicles
Capsicum strengthens our hair follicles as it contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds that protect the hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and prevents premature greying of hair, hair loss, dry hair, split ends, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins in capsicum provide nourishment to the hair and scalp, and thus strengthens our hair follicles.
These compounds provide natural shine to the hair and make them strong and lustrous.
(4) Minimizes Scalp Acne Risk
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores, and affects millions of people around the world.
It can also break out on the scalp and is then known as scalp acne.
Dietary fibers in capsicum eliminate toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in the system, they are less likely to accumulate in the pores of the skin and scalp, and this minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne.
It controls the secretion of excess oil from the scalp and prevents scalp acne from worsening.
Other essential compounds like zinc, iron, potassium, silicon, selenium and vitamin B complex, etc in capsicum improve our scalp health, and a healthy scalp automatically takes care of these scalp problems.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
P.S- Consider sharing this post, if you find it useful and/or interesting
