Are Bell Peppers Bad For You?
Short answer
Bell peppers are excellent sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Though red bell peppers are the most nutritious, all colors are an incredibly healthy choice.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Bell peppers are great for you. In addition to their low fat and calorie content, they pack important fat-soluble vitamins, as well as many other nutrients that are beneficial to your health. The different color bell peppers are not different types of pepper, but rather the same vegetable harvested at different stages of ripeness. The green bell peppers have been harvested earliest and have the least nutritional value, while the red bell peppers are the ripest and most nutritious. Most of the nutritional benefits of bell peppers are best gained from red peppers, but the facts apply for all color varieties, albeit at lesser amounts. For example, there is about 1.5x more vitamin C in red bell pepper than green bell pepper.
While most pepper research tends to focus on capsaicin, bell peppers contain so little of this that there are other properties that play a far greater role. One of these is carotenoids. Along with tomatoes, only bell peppers contain at least two-thirds of the following: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. The anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties of these carotenoids, as well as the presence of flavonoids, help make bell peppers an excellent food for the prevention and treatment of various forms of cancer. A high source of vitamins A and C, one cup will give you more than your daily need in both these vitamins. Bell peppers are also a valuable source of sulfur compounds, which are necessary for the proper functioning of many neurotransmitters.
Some people experience heartburn or acid reflux as a result of eating bell peppers. However, if you do not personally experience this sensitivity, there is no other reason not to enjoy bell peppers. They are an excellent source of nutrition, and at around 50 calories per serving are an all-around healthy choice.
Benefits
- helps prevent various forms of cancer
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promotes brain health
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increases immunity
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provides ample vitamins a and c
Healthier alternatives
- red bell peppers are the most nutritious
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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