The Goods on Bell Peppers!

Bell peppers are a member of the nightshade family of plants which include potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes. They are available in several colours including green, red, orange, yellow, and purple. Red bell peppers are actually green peppers that have been allowed to ripen on the vine, and hence are much sweeter than the more bitter green pepper. The spices pimento and paprika are both prepared from red bell peppers.

This nutrient dense vegetable is packed with many B vitamins, as well as Vitamins A, C, and K. They are very high in antioxidants, which can quench free radicals – the cause of many chronic diseases. Red peppers contain lycopene, which can protect against cancer and heart disease. Consumption of bell peppers regularly seems to exert a protective effect against cataracts. They are great raw in salads, or dipped in hummus, as well as added to a stirfry, soup, or chili!

 
Dr. Ashely Gordon is a Squamish-based Naturopathic Physician and owner of Garibaldi Health Clinic, an integrative health care facility offering safe and effective care including Naturopathic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Massage, Midwifery and Physical Therapy. Dr. Gordon’s treatments focus on the whole person, from the physical and mental to the emotional and spiritual realms. To learn more about what Naturopathic Medicine can do for you, or to make an appointment, visit www.garibaldihealthclinic.com or call 604 898 1999.