Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers or capsicums, are a colorful vegetable that brighten up any dish, but they’re not just for decoration. Available in vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and green, these crunchy vegetables are packed with nutrients that offer impressive health benefits. Whether eaten raw, roasted, or fried, bell peppers deserve a prime spot on your plate. Here’s why.

1. An important source of vitamins and antioxidants

Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C; just one medium-sized red bell pepper provides over 150% of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is essential for proper immune system function, collagen production, and faster wound healing.

In addition to vitamin C, bell peppers are also rich in vitamins A, B6, folate, and vitamin E, which contribute to healthy skin, eyes, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. The vibrant colors of bell peppers come from powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect cells from oxidative stress and slow down the aging process.

2. Great for eye health

If you spend long hours in front of a screen, bell peppers can be your best ally. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in red and yellow bell peppers help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two common causes of vision loss. These antioxidants act like natural sunglasses, filtering harmful blue light and protecting the delicate tissues of the eye.