Red Pepper, Red Pepper, Red Pepper!

Just a few of the Red Peppers from my crisper.

I have a confession, Grandma Spicy is a red pepper-holic. Consuming this raw vegetable at least once a day is a must do! It is like I am addicted to this vegetable. Loving the crunchiness of the pepper, it is my late night snack. This love affair with red peppers has been going on for over three years. Finding or making up recipes that use a red pepper excites me. The nutritional value of red peppers is phenomenal. 

 

Here is just some of the benefits that one website illustrates:

  

1. Red peppers aren’t just tantalizing for your taste buds, these colorful peppers are a rich source of anti-carcinogenic carotenoid called lycopene that is believed to work against prostate cancer as well as cancer of the bladder, cervix and pancreas. Beta-cryptoxanthin, another carotenoid in red peppers is being held as a potential source of fighting against lung cancer.
2. Did you know that eating red peppers actually helps in losing weight? Red peppers contain substances that are believed to increase body’s heat production and oxygen consumption after eating that assists in burning calories and losing weight.
3. Red peppers are an excellent source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A & E. Vitamin A is known to be good for vision, bone growth, immune function, cell function and skin health. Vitamin E helps prevent cell damage, cancer and heart disease.
4. Red pepper is also a rich source of vitamin C that helps strengthen your immune system. This is important in preventing infections as well as some cancers. It also helps increase iron absorption by your body. High antioxidant levels contained in red pepper is known to lower the risk of heart disease.
5. Red bell pepper has 3g fiber, which helps to prevent colon and aids in digestive health, heart health and diabetes.
6. Red peppers also contain vitamin B6 that helps in brain functioning and aids the body to convert protein into energy. It is also a rich source of Vitamin B that aids in healthy metabolism, immune function, and cell growth and may help relieve symptoms caused by stress, depression and heart disease.
7. Red pepper contains Folate aids that is vital for brain health and fights heart disease. It is also necessary for blood cell formation, growth and prevention of liver disease. It is also believed to play a huge part in preventing birth defects.
8. Red pepper is an excellent source of potassium that aids in proper electrolytic functions and keeps the brain, heart, kidney and muscle tissues in good condition. It also reduces the risk of stroke and softens the effects of salt on blood pressure.

Grandma Spicy looks at her red pepper like some would look at a candy bar or a big piece of cake. Always carefully, washing, cutting the core and sectioning the pepper just right. Then it is arranged on my everyday Correlle plate so it looks pretty, then lightly seasoning with Kosher salt. My pepper is ready for consumption while I am doing my relaxing routine at night, such as reading a book or play a game of Angry Birds on my NookColor.

When you are shopping your local produce section, think of me when you see red peppers. I may have been to your store to raid the best peppers, there are certain stores locally that carry the fleshier peppers for the price. Proclaiming that I am now somewhat of a connoisseur of red peppers, I buy them by the dozens. However, I do have a limit; when a red pepper reaches $2.50 each I will slow my consumption. At that time, I admit to missing them in my daily routine.

All I know; I consume my share of RED PEPPERS! Grandma Spicy loves them.