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Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are fruits that belong to the nightshade family. They are related to chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit, all of which are native to Central and South America. Also called sweet peppers or capsicums, bell peppers can be eaten either raw or cooked. Like their close relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers are sometimes dried and powdered. In that case, they are referred to as paprika. They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red,...
The Health Benefits of White Beans
Wouldn’t you want to add more foods high in protein, low on the glycemic index, and high in vitamin content with tons of fiber and great versatility to your diet? This magic food is the simple white bean, considered a superfood — like all beans — by the American Diabetes Association. White beans are packed with folate, vitamin B1 (thiamin), potassium, magnesium, and iron. It’s an easy bean to cook with and can be a healthy substitute for the type of starch in potatoes. Because of their color and texture, white beans are a better substitute for potatoes than split peas and...
What's New and Beneficial About Shrimp
Shrimp can be a unique source of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenoid nutrient astaxanthin. It is possible for a single 4-ounce serving of shrimp to contain 1-4 milligrams of astaxanthin. In animal studies, astaxanthin has been shown to provide antioxidant support to both the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. In addition, some animal studies have shown decreased risk of colon cancer to be associated with astaxanthin intake, as well as decreased risk of certain diabetes-related problems. Importantly, the astaxanthin content of shrimp can vary widely, mostly in proportion to the amount of astaxanthin in their diet. In addition, the source...
9 Impressive Health Benefits of Onions
Though all vegetables are important for health, certain kinds offer unique benefits. Onions are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants that also includes garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. These vegetables contain various vitamins, minerals and potent plant compounds that have been shown to promote health in many ways. In fact, the medicinal properties of onions have been recognized since ancient times, when they were used to treat ailments like headaches, heart disease and mouth sores. Here are 9 impressive health benefits of onions. 1. Packed With Nutrients Onions are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals....
Health Benefits of Broccoli
When it comes to great-tasting nutrition, broccoli is an all-star food with many health benefits. While low in calories, broccoli is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber. Broccoli belongs to a family of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables and its close relatives include brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Broccoli contains sulforophane, a sulfur-containing compound present in cruciferous vegetables. Researchers are studying the anti-cancer properties of sulforophane and have come to some interesting conclusions, although more research is needed. As if that's not enough, a cup of cooked broccoli offers as much vitamin C as an orange, and is a good source...