Short answer
Paprika is not bad for you. In fact, it has a number of both healing and preventative health benefits.
Recommended Alternative
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
Paprika is a spice in the Capsicum family that doesn’t just flavor your food, it provides a variety of nutrients from even a small amount. The flavor can range from sweet to spicy and depends on the type of peppers used. Paprika is used around the world in meat rubs, marinades, and seasoned salt and can even be used to naturally color foods.
The active ingredient in paprika is capsaicin which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant benefits making one of the most beneficial spices you could add to your foods. Capsaicin is also considered a stimulant.
While the antibacterial properties of paprika do not stop bacteria completely, it can slow down its growth, especially Salmonella and E. Coli - a great reason to sprinkle it on your poultry before cooking! Not to mention the sweet, smoky flavor you’ll get to enjoy.
The anti-inflammatory properties of capsaicin are one of its strongest characteristics. It has been shown to relieve pain and swelling, and can even benefit autoimmune disorders. These effects of capsaicin are not just effective when consumed, but also when used topically. Paprika is often recommended for those with arthritis both as a seasoning and topical use to increase circulation and reduce the swelling and pain in the joints.
Paprika also contains a great deal of nutritional benefits including vitamins A & E (common antioxidants), vitamin B6, vitamin C and iron. It seems this spice is the full package!
Vision improvement and protection can be a potential benefit of paprika because of the carotenoid zeaxanthin which acts as both an antioxidant and vitamin A. It specifically supports the cone cells in the eye. Regular consumption of zeaxanthin through paprika could help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamins A & E also protect the skin and boost the immune system. Vitamin C further helps boost the immune system, which paprika contains almost 7 times more of than tomatoes.
Vitamin B6 can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases by removing homocysteine from the blood, and is one of the coenzymes responsible for producing hemoglobin, glucose, and many neurotransmitters. Just 1 teaspoon of paprika contains 4% of the recommended daily value of this vitamin. Another circulatory system benefit of paprika is its ability to lower your blood pressure with regular consumption.
Benefits
- lower blood pressure
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decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
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decreased risk of cancer
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improved skin health
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improved visual acuity
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macular disease prevention
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boost in immune system function
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decreased pain and swelling
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anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simply Organic Smoked Paprika
- Oak wood smoked
- Rich, smoky flavor
- Ground Spanish paprika
- Certified organic
- Kosher
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-08-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-08-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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