Bell Pepper (Capsicum) During Pregnancy
Bell Pepper (Capsicum) During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, And Side Effects
Bell Peppers are also known as Capsicum, or Sweet Pepper which are available in different colors such as green, yellow, red, purple, and orange. Capsicums are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals which you require during pregnancy. They're a great source of vitamins A, C, folate, and dietary fiber. All of these nutrients play a key role in the growth and development of the fetus. Adding bell pepper to your pregnancy diet is a great way to get all the crucial nutrients that are vital during the nine months of pregnancy. Read this article to know all about having capsicum (bell pepper) during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of capsicum (bell pepper) during pregnancy
Bell peppers are packed with vital nutrients and provide numerous health benefits to the expectant mother and her baby. Some of the amazing health benefits of eating capsicum during pregnancy are:
1. Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Bell Peppers are an amazing source of dietary fiber that helps to ease your bowel movements, prevent constipation thereby keeps your digestive tract healthy in pregnancy.
2. Healthy Immune System
They're a rich source of vitamin C which plays a major role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Capsicum also contains lutein and zeaxanthin that helps to boost your immune system. Vitamin C is also required for iron absorption and synthesis of collagen. Iron deficiency can cause anemia during pregnancy. Hence, you need to take an iron-rich diet to prevent anemia.
(Also read: Potatoes During Pregnancy - Are They Safe?)
3. Rich Source of Vitamin B6
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin B6 that is essential for the healthy development of your baby's brain and immune system. Vitamin B6 is well known to reduce bloating, nausea, and vomiting which are common complications during pregnancy. It also helps to reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Vitamin B6 also helps you to maintain healthy blood glucose levels while pregnant. It plays a key role in many metabolic processes as well.
4. Good Vision
Bell Peppers are a rich source of vitamin A which helps to support healthy vision. They're a good source of lutein, a carotenoid that helps to lower the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes.
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
They're a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to maintain fluid balance in the body. It also helps to keep your blood pressure under control during pregnancy and reduces the risk of developing preeclampsia and hypertension.
6. Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Bell peppers contain an ample amount of folate that helps to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
(Also read: Ladyfinger (Okra) During Pregnancy - Safe or Not?)
7. Prevents Anemia
Anemia is caused because of iron deficiency in the body and this condition reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood due to which you felt tired and exhausted. Bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C that allows your body to absorb iron more effectively thereby helps to prevent anemia.
8. Prevents Cancer
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of capsicum help to prevent certain types of cancers. Bell peppers contain lycopene, a carotenoid that helps to lower the risk of bladder, cervix, pancreas, and prostate cancer.
9. Prevent Osteoporosis
Bell Peppers are a good source of manganese, a mineral that plays a major role in the formation of bone cartilage and bone collagen. They also contain vitamin K which is well known for strengthening the bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis.
10. Healthy Weight Gain
Capsicums are nutrient-dense and contain a high amount of fiber and water. The high fiber and water content of bell peppers satisfy your hunger pangs and keep you full for a longer time hence prevent overeating. Therefore consumption of bell peppers helps you to gain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
(Also read: 10 Most Common Medical Reasons For a C-Section)
11. Source of Antioxidants
Capsicums are packed with antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals and the damage caused by them. These free radicals cause damage to blood vessels. Consumption of bell peppers helps to fight these free radicals. It also helps to reduce inflammation.
12. Healthy Heart
Being rich in potassium, bell peppers help to maintain your blood pressure levels and keep hypertension at a bay thereby reduces the risk of developing heart-related issues and promotes a healthy heart.
Nutritional Value of Bell Pepper
100 g of raw red bell pepper contains the following nutrients:
| Calories | 31 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6.03 g |
| Fats | 0.30 g |
| Protein | 0.99 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Vitamin A | 3131 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.054 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.085 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.979 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.291 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 46 µg |
| Vitamin C | 127.7 mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.9 µg |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 211 mg |
| Calcium | 7 mg |
| Copper | 0.017 mg |
| Iron | 0.43 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Manganese | 0.112 mg |
| Zinc | 0.25 mg |
| Selenium | 0.1 µg |
| Phosphorus | 26 mg |
| Carotene-ß | 1624 µg |
| Carotene-α | 20 µg |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 490 µg |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 51 µg |
Side Effects of Bell Pepper during pregnancy
Some of the few side effects caused due to the consumption of bell pepper during pregnancy are:
- Overconsumption of bell peppers can cause diarrhea, heartburn, or upset stomach.
- They can trigger allergic reactions in some women during pregnancy.
Don't overeat bell peppers. Overeating can cause adverse effects on your health during pregnancy. So, always remember to eat capsicums in the right amount to get all the health benefits from them.
(Also read: Foods And Drinks To Avoid While Breastfeeding)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you eat capsicum during pregnancy?
Capsicums are a good source of folate, vitamins A, B6, C, potassium, and many more such nutrients. All of these nutrients provide numerous health benefits to both the expectant mother and her baby.
2. Are bell peppers good for you in pregnancy?
Bell peppers are a great source of vital nutrients that keep you healthy in pregnancy. It also contains numerous nutrients that are crucial for your baby's healthy growth and development.
3. Is it safe to eat bell peppers (capsicum) in pregnancy?
Yes, capsicums are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy. They're loaded with many vital nutrients such as folate, vitamins, and minerals that provide several health benefits to you and your growing baby.
4. Can I eat raw bell peppers when I'm pregnant?
Yes, raw bell peppers are safe to consume during pregnancy but wash them thoroughly to get rid of harmful bacteria.
5. Can you eat bell peppers while pregnant?
Bell peppers contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for the expectant mother and her baby. Hence consumption of bell peppers during pregnancy is beneficial.
Being rich in nutrients, bell peppers are safe and healthy to consume while pregnant. They provide you many health benefits and are extremely beneficial during the pregnancy period. Consult your doctor before including capsicums in your pregnancy diet.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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