There are red, yellow, orange and green peppers. Peppers are one of the healthiest vegetables and protect the body's cells, heart and blood vessels.

Peppers also have a preventive effect against cancer.

Vitamins in peppers

Peppers contain about three times as much vitamin C as lemons. Vitamin C is important for the body's immune system.

Sweet peppers are also rich in vitamin A, which strengthens the eyesight, keeps the mucous membranes healthy and promotes haematopoiesis.

Peppers also contain vitamin E, which is important for the outer skin of cells, and folic acid, which promotes cell renewal and prevents arteriosclerosis.

 

Other healthy ingredients in peppers

Secondary plant substances that help to neutralise free radicals and thus protect the body against cancer and premature ageing.

The plant pigments flavonoid and carotenoid neutralise carcinogenic substances such as nitrite and nitrosamine.

Red peppers are the most nutritious, followed by orange, yellow and then green.

 

ImportantFor optimum absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A and E, it is advisable to prepare the peppers with some fatty foods, e.g. olive oil, yoghurt or cheese.

Unfortunately, peppers are often contaminated with toxic pesticides. It is therefore important to look for 'organic' peppers when buying them. If organic peppers are not available, the peppers should be washed thoroughly and, if necessary, the skin removed after scalding with boiling water.