The bell pepper, also known as a sweet pepper or capsicum, is a type of pepper of the species Capsicum annuum. The plant varieties come in different colors including red, yellow, green, chocolate, white, and purple. Of all the pepper varieties, bell peppers are the least pungent since they do not contain capsaicin, the chemical that causes an intense burning sensation.

Usually, unripe bell peppers are either green, pale yellow, or purple. Red bell peppers are simply ripened green peppers. Green peppers are least sweet of the lot and slightly bitterer than yellow or orange peppers; red bell peppers are the sweetest.

Bell Pepper Nutrition:

Each bell pepper type contains nearly similar nutrition qualities; however, they do differ in their quantities of vitamin C. For example, yellow is in between ripeness of the green and red variety but contains the most vitamin C per 100 grams. The same quantity of yellow peppers contains 306% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C, whereas the red pepper comes in second with 213%. Lastly, the green pepper contains 134% of the daily vitamin C recommendation.

Vitamin C is advantageous for the body for many reasons. An adequate intake of vitamin C can help the body create and maintain collagen, an essential protein found in hair and skin. Collagen is very important because it holds the skin, tendons, and ligaments together. Also, vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant, which helps the body develop resistance to infectious compounds.

The vibrant red bell pepper contains the most vitamin A with 63% of the daily recommendation, followed by the green bell pepper with 7%; the yellow bell pepper contains about 4%. Vitamin A, along with other antioxidant compounds, can help protect the retina (the inner layer of the eye that is sensitive to light) from damage caused by blue light. Antioxidants are natural substances that may delay or prevent cell damage.

For extra brain power, individuals should try red bell peppers. They contain more folate and potassium than the other types. Folate has been known to reduce the rate of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been associated with an increase in blood flow to the brain, and enhancement of thinking ability, concentration, and brain activity. Potassium has the capacity to relax the blood vessels, allowing more blood and nutrients to flow to the vital brain areas.

Depending on what the culinary requirement is, red and yellow peppers appear to be the best choices for nutritional reasons. Red bell peppers contain almost the same amount of vitamins and minerals as the other varieties; nevertheless, they contain much more vitamin A, potassium, and folate to help protect one’s nerves, brain, and heart.