Eating This Antioxidant-Rich Food Can Reduce Your Risk Of Age-Related Diseases, Experts Say

How bell peppers help prevent disease

When it comes to preventing disease, ensuring you're fitting antioxidants into your diet is one of the best ways to go. Luckily, Best says bell peppers are full of 'em. "Bell peppers are a colorful and antioxidant-rich food that can help protect against diseases," she says. "They contain various antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body."

But what can all of those vitamins and antioxidants actually do to keep your body protected from diseases? According to Best, a lot. "These antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers," she says.

To better understand the antioxidant power of various bell peppers, it helps to consider their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC. This is a value that measures a foods antioxidant capacity. Best tells us that red bell peppers have the highest ORAC value, clocking in at 1,771 units per 100 grams. Next up, yellow and orange bell peppers offer up 1,600 units. And while green is in last place, at 1,200 units per 100 grams, that's still a hearty amount to add to your meals.

Ultimately, Best concludes, "including a variety of bell peppers in your diet can contribute to a well-rounded antioxidant intake, supporting overall health and disease prevention."

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