Spanish Bell Peppers

The pepper is the fleshy berry of a plant of the same family as aubergines, tomatoes and potatoes, the solanaceae. It’s a vegetable that contains lots of water (92%), vitamins (c and a) and minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium), so it is ideal for diets seeking to lose weight (about 25 cal / 100 g). It is also rich in fibre, which fights constipation and triggers a feeling of satiety.

The main feature of peppers is its high content on vitamin c: contains four times more than citrus fruits. This vitamin is an antioxidant that gives them the power that makes the muscles stronger, iron absorption is promoted by red blood cells and helps the immune system and increase resistance to infection. It also participates in the synthesis of collagen, essential to keep tissues toned and young, as well as having an anti-rheumatic action.

Peppers also contain significant amounts of beta carotene that along with other substances, help prevent bad cholesterol. It is also rich in folic acid, very important for pregnant women in the first trimester as it participates in the neural development of the foetus. On the other hand, flavonoids, which are antioxidants, slow cellular aging.

Pepper also has detoxifying and purifying effects, stimulating the production of bile in the liver, and is highly diuretic (thanks to the potassium and beta carotene). It has even been seen to help prevent cancer, thanks to capsaicin that is under your skin.