Did you know that being a spicy food lover can score you major health points?
Paprika is the spice formed by mixing bell peppers and chili peppers. They are less spicy than commonly used chili. This makes it a favorite among people who like only a bit of spice in their food.
Paprika initially was well-known only among Indian, Moroccan, and Hungarian cuisines. But with its unique taste, it is a favorite garnish for people all over the globe.
Paprika is full of great nutrients that provide a bunch of health benefits. It does not only have health benefits but also helps you look fabulous! [1]
Today you get to know all these surprising facts about paprika:
- Nutrients in paprika
- How paprika is good for the skin, the hair and overall health
- 3 ways to use paprika
Nutrients in Paprika
Paprika is full of nutrients that are essential to achieving great health. Paprika has a rich combination of several Vitamins. All the health benefits and side effects of paprika are due to these elements:
- Iron- It is a crucial mineral required for proper transportation of oxygen. [2]
- Vitamin B6- It helps with absorption of fatty acids and healthy immune system. It also helps with developing neurotransmitters. [3]
- Vitamin A- It is also known as retinol. It assists with improving a lot of body functions and eyesight. [4]
- Capsaicin- This is responsible for the heat in chili. It helps control blood pressure. It is also a natural painkilling ingredient. [5]
- Minerals- Paprika has essential minerals such as manganese, potassium, and magnesium. All of these minerals have unique health benefits. [6]
- Vitamin C– Vitamin C is one of the most necessary vitamins. It helps strengthen blood vessels and helps promote healthy skin. [7]
You might wonder if too much paprika is bad for you due to its spicy nature.
Paprika toxicity only happens if you consume high levels of paprika in one go. So if you are having reasonable amounts of paprika, there are no health risks.
READ MORE: 10 Benefits of Vitamin B6 That You Should Know
9 Health Benefits of Paprika
1. Controls Blood Pressure
The capsaicin in paprika is what helps blood pressure levels to lower down.
Capsaicin makes blood vessels ease up. When blood vessels are not winded up, it causes blood pressure levels go down.
The potassium in paprika also helps it to be an excellent vasodilator. This also works to unwind blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. [8]
2. Improves Vision
Vitamin A is also known as retinol. Retinol is the essential element to improve eyesight. [9]
Paprika is rich in anti-oxidants. There it protects the eyes against eye infections.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two compounds in paprika that protect the eye from damage due to harsh sun rays.
3. Increases Energy Levels
Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme that is available in paprika. This vitamin accelerates the function of over a hundred other enzymes. [10]
The enzyme also starts energy producing reactions and improves circulation system.
Paprika contains minerals like iron that you require in stimulating energy production process.
4. Skin Care
Paprika possesses antibacterial properties that fight acne and other skin problems.
The vitamins found in paprika are all necessary to have great skin. Vitamin C helps to keep skin glowing and looking healthy. [11]
Retinol in Paprika is one of the best elements for fighting skin damage. It also helps with regeneration of skin tissues to repair damaged skin.
READ NEXT: 10 Home Remedies for Dry Skin (& How to Use Them)
5. Prevents Heart Diseases
Paprika has Vitamin E as one of its major components. Vitamin E helps kills free radicals and remove toxins that cause cardiovascular diseases. [12]
The minerals in paprika ensure circulation of pure blood which is crucial for a healthy heart.
Vitamin C helps with strengthening the valves and blood vessels of the heart. Therefore keeping it active and protected.
6. Prevents Anemia
Paprika shows incredible results in producing red blood cells.
Anemic patients often take iron supplements to help treat the disease. Since paprika has an abundance of iron, it promotes productions of red blood cells.
Iron tablet supplements usually have trouble with absorption. The syrup usually has a strong taste that most people cannot intake. Thankfully, paprika has loads of Vitamin C that helps with the absorption of iron!
7. Anti-inflammatory
One of the primary health benefits of paprika results from its anti-inflammatory properties.
A lot of the times you experience muscle pain due to inflammation. Paprika can help control that aspect.
It also works perfectly with arthritis patients. It helps to treat the pain from a knee injury and arthritis. The Vitamin C in paprika helps cure the inflammation. [13]
Paprika also works perfectly to cure swollen gums.
8. Hair Care
Paprika provides haircare in a lot of ways.
Proper circulation of blood is necessary to have healthy hair growth. Since the iron in paprika ensures that, it also boosts hair follicles. Therefore it prevents hair loss.
The Vitamin B6 also helps with strengthening the hair. The best part is that Vitamin B6 works wonders when it comes to maintaining hair color by boosting production of melanin. [14]
9. Heals Indigestion
Paprika helps with controlling acid reflux. It promotes enzymes that help produce saliva and other digestive juices. Therefore your digestive system operates efficiently. [15]
Paprika boosts immunity system. Studies show that paprika is incredible for weight loss for this reason.
The laxative properties of paprika make it great for curing constipation. Thus it helps with all types indigestion issues.
READ MORE: 19 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast
3 Ways to Use Paprika
Paprika is good for cooking delicious food, but other ways that are just as effective.
3 ways you can use paprika in daily life are listed below:
- Make a juice with paprika as one of the ingredients. It works particularly well to treat sore throats if you gargle with it.
- You can wrap some paprika in a tissue and put it inside your gloves or sock. Paprika warms your hands and feet during cold weather.
- Some cellulite creams have paprika in them. These creams help heat up the skin and burn fat.
Final Thoughts
Paprika provides amazing health benefits regardless of however you use it. It is a health-boosting ingredient that makes all aspects of your health better.
The best upside of using Paprika is that it makes your food taste so great!
So go ahead and include paprika in your diet to enjoy the benefits on the list and much more!
Do you use paprika in your meals? Share with us your favorite recipe using paprika in the comments below!
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