Paprika Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts
The spice paprika is made from ground Capsicum annuum. Capsicum annuum belongs to the Solanaceae family which originated in Central and Southern America. Since the 17th century, the use of paprika was more popular in Europe for household consumption than in the US. However, more and more American households are now including paprika as a spice in their cooking and the food industry widely uses paprika as a natural flavoring and coloring agent. This spice contributes more than taste. Let’s learn more about paprika health benefits, and see the how paprika can contribute to your overall well being.
Blood Purifier
Paprika is rich in iron and potassium. These minerals are very helpful compounds in terms of purifying the blood. The iron content of paprika helps in hemoglobin production as well as the oxygenation of red blood cells. This in turn increases resistance and energy of the human body. The potassium content of paprika is essential for proper heart function as well as helpful in the contractions of muscles and bones.
Studies show that paprika helps improve circulation and normalize blood pressure due to its flavonoid contents. Intake of paprika is especially beneficial to those with hypertension and/or high cholesterol levels. Apart from this, it aids in digestion because it has the same digestive properties as juniper berries; it increases saliva and stomach acid production.
A Powerful Antioxidant
Paprika is well known for its high amounts of vitamin C. Research found that paprika has more than nine times the vitamin C content of tomatoes and seven times more than oranges. As you are aware, vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body. This in turn makes paprika good in strengthening the immune system. The antioxidant properties of paprika also act as an anti-aging agent and help fight premature aging.
The vitamin C contents of paprika help the body fight off common ailments like the flu, colds and cough. The use of paprika in your daily meals will give your immune system a boost.
The carotenoid contents of paprika may help guard the body from certain type of cancers. Paprika contains zeaxanthin, cryptocanthin and beta-carotene. Studies show that these carotenoids are very good at helping lower the risk of lung and cervical cancer. Additionally, zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. This substance helps in promoting clear vision by neutralizing free radicals in the retina.
Other Health Benefits of Paprika
The other heath benefits of paprika are:
- Paprika is also known to speed up the body’s metabolism. The thermogenic effect of capsaicin in paprika can cause your body to burn extra calories after 20 minutes of consumption.
- Clears mucus from the nose and lungs and aids in congestion.
- The antibacterial properties of paprika can kill bacteria in the stomach and therefore, prevent or treat stomach ulcers.
With so many paprika health benefits available such as: good for the blood, cholesterol and heart, powerful antioxidant, and so forth, one needs little encouragement to include paprika as a way to spice up our meals.
References:
https://www.fao.org/ag/AGN/agns/jecfa/cta/69/Paprika_extract_CTA_69.pdf
