Red Peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin A: 100 g of edible portion of red peppers contains 3131 IU of Vitamin A. According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Vitamin A for an adult is 5000 IU (international unit).

(Note: DV means daily amount of nutrient recommended for an adult)

Vitamin A is essential for eye health and also for strengthening body’s natural immune system. Vitamin A is also essential for tissue building, and for the formation of RBCs (red blood cells), skin and bones. Deficiency of Vitamin A results in night blindness, and drying of skin and eyes.

Red peppers are a powerhouse of Powerful Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants when consumed, regularly prevents modern-day life style diseases such as heart attack, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis. Red peppers are rich in plant-based antioxidants such as lycopene and carotenoids.

An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation, especially that of free radicals. Free radicals are chemically unstable molecular fragments or atoms that have a charge due to excess or deficient number of electrons and are directly responsible for cell degeneration and resultant ageing process in human beings. The immediate tendency of free radicals, as soon as they are formed, is to become stable by reacting with cellular components (for example: DNA) or cell membrane. The result is DNA damage, malignant tumour formation (cancer) and diabetes, cataract, heart diseases and other cell degenerative diseases.  Some of the examples of free radicals are superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, transition metals such as iron and copper, nitric acid and ozone.

Both red peppers and green peppers are an excellent source of dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is good for human body. High fiber foods are good for weight loss as they take long time to get digested and also make you feel full for a long period of time. High fiber food aids in digestion, cures constipation, lowers blood cholesterol, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Both red peppers and green peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Vitamin C for an adult is 60mg (milligrams). It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin. Vitamin C helps in absorption of iron and calcium and also increases body’s natural immunity. Vitamin C deficiency results in a disease called scurvy. Major symptoms of scurvy are bleeding gum, joint pain, and hair loss.

Red peppers are moderate source of Folic acid or Folate: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of folate is 400mcg (micrograms). 100 g of edible portion of red peppers contains 46mcg of folate.

Folic acid is essential for energy production from food. It helps in synthesis of nucleic acids and proper functioning of immune system and blood production by facilitating functioning of iron and increasing production of RBCs. It also helps in controlling protein/amino acid metabolism. It is an important vitamin for pregnant women and for women who are trying to conceive. Major deficiency symptoms of folic acid include birth defects in new born babies, diarrhoea, hearing loss due to ageing, improper functioning of immune system, weakness, fatigue and headaches. Regular consumption of folic acid helps in slowing down progression of hearing loss with ageing; to prevent birth related defects in new born babies; for protection from cancer, heart diseases, depression and degeneration of body due to ageing; and to prevent memory loss and osteoporosis.

Bell peppers contain moderate amounts of Vitamin E: Bell peppers contain moderate amounts of Vitamin E also. It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin which helps in formation of new blood vessels and also increases body’s natural immunity.

Bell peppers contain Vitamin K: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Vitamin K is 80mcg (micrograms). 100g of edible portion of red peppers contain 4.9 mcg (micrograms) of Vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for the formation of strong bones, for blood clotting, and for preventing heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. Vitamin K deficiency results in bleeding gums and bleeding nose.

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Apart from above-mentioned nutrients, bell peppers are moderate source of many health-enhancing minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus also.

Red peppers are a moderate source of Potassium (211mg/100g): According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Potassium for an adult is 3500mg (milligrams). Potassium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in lowering blood pressure. It is also needed by our body for carbohydrate  metabolism, fluid balance, growth and development, heart function, muscle contraction, nervous system function and protein formation.

Red peppers are a good source of Zinc (Zn): According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Zinc for an adult is 15mg (milligrams). Red peppers are a good source of zinc (0.25mg/100g). Zinc is essential for growth and development, and it also strengthens body’s immune system. Zinc is essential for regulating functions of our nervous system. Zinc helps in clotting of blood, thus helping in wound healing, and for the synthesis and digestion of proteins. It also helps in regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol. Zinc deficiency results in diarrhoea, loss of appetite, rashes on skin, weakness in sensing, night blindness, weak immune system etc.

Bell peppers contain Iron: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of iron for an adult is 18mg. Iron is essential for RBC (red blood cell) formation and transfer oxygen between the tissues and within the blood. Red colour of blood is due to the presence of iron in it. Iron is essential for increasing body immunity and also for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Iron deficiency results in anaemic appearances, and it also increases heart rate and breathing. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include poor immune system, yellowing of the body and severe headaches.

Bell peppers contain some amount of Magnesium: Magnesium promotes appetite and regulates blood pressure. It also promotes kidney health. Magnesium deficiency may result in poor appetite, weakness, osteoporosis, kidney stones, depression and anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Bell peppers contain some Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential component for the formation of high energy compounds and various nucleic acids. Phosphorous is a major component of bone and teeth and it also increases body’s immunity. Phosphorous deficiency may result in anaemic appearances, weaknesses in muscles, poor immune symptoms etc.