Bell peppers are part of the nightshade family and can be in hues of red, orange, yellow, and green.
Health Benefits
- High in antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress that can cause cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
- Vitamin A can help maintain eye health.
- Vitamin C helps to maintain and build up the immune system.
- B6 found in bell pepper helps with adrenal maintenance, it is beneficial to the nervous system, and keeping calm.
SELECTION & STORAGE
- Choose peppers that are bright in color and firm, free of soft spots, dents, and areas of deep discoloration.
- Store unwashed bell peppers in the vegetable crisper section of the refrigerator for about 10 days.
How to Use
- Sautee and add to other vegetables as a side dish or in a soup
- Roast the peppers and add to salads, pizzas, pastas, dips, and hummus
- Stuff with ground beef, quinoa, aged cheese, rice, and/or other vegetables
- Use raw as a topping for tacos, salads, wraps, and sandwiches, or use to scoop dips and hummus
Take Note
Those who have musculoskeletal problems, like arthritis, have reported eliminating nightshades (like bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants) from their diet to improve their wellbeing. Nightshades may cause inflammation in some. The best way to find out if nightshades are of issue, an elimination diet may be necessary.