Peppercorns Offer Health Benefits
Bell pepper seeds are often discarded after cutting open a pepper, but did you know they can be safely eaten and offer nutritional benefits? The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center in Germany, led by nutrition expert Hannah Zeyssig, confirms this. These seeds, like the pepper itself, contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, eye health, immunity, skin health, and blood pressure regulation.
On the other hand, spicy pepper seeds from hot chili peppers, such as pepperoni, chili, and Spanish pepper, require caution due to the presence of capsaicin. This compound is responsible for the spiciness and heat of the peppers and can cause irritation or burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Handling spicy pepper seeds may also irritate skin or eyes, so it's recommended to wear gloves and avoid touching the face.
While spicy pepper seeds do have health-promoting properties like antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects, as well as secondary plant substances like carotenoids and polyphenols, they should be consumed in moderation. The health benefits primarily come from these secondary substances and unsaturated fatty acids, not from the capsaicin content.
Zeyssig, the nutrition expert, also praises the weight management properties of spicy pepper seeds. When processed or ground, they can be a good source of unsaturated fatty acids that can positively influence fat metabolism. However, due to capsaicin's irritant effects, the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center's advice does not apply to spicy peppers.
In summary, bell pepper seeds are generally harmless and can be safely eaten, providing potential health benefits. Spicy pepper seeds, however, should be handled and consumed carefully due to capsaicin's irritant effects. Always remember, moderation is key when it comes to spicy foods.
References: [1] Nutrition and You: Bell Peppers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bell-pepper.html [2] Bell Peppers: Nutrition Facts and Calories. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bell-pepper-nutrition [3] Bell Pepper Seeds: Safe to Eat or Not? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bell-pepper-seeds-safe-to-eat
- In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, promotion of health-and-wellness often includes discussions about the benefits of various food-and-drink sources, such as bell peppers, which contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- While both bell peppers and their seeds offer a range of nutritional benefits for a healthy-diet, it's essential to note that spicy peppers like chili, Spanish pepper, and pepperoni contain capsaicin, a compound that can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
- When considering a balanced lifestyle, nutrition expert Hannah Zeyssig highlights the weight management properties of spicy pepper seeds, as they are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids that can positively impact fat metabolism if processed or ground, but their capsaicin content requires moderation to prevent irritation.
