Seed | Gorria Pepper from Espelette

Espelette pepper is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help stimulate collagen production and prevent vision loss.

• Chili peppers also contain iron, vitamins B6 and K, potassium, and fiber.
• May reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration
  Nutrition plays an important role in delaying the development of age-related vision loss. In particular, two carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, when consumed in sufficient amounts, appear to improve eye health. They do this by protecting the retina from oxidative damage. Red bell peppers are particularly rich in carotenoids, as well as other protective nutrients such as vitamin C. Numerous studies suggest that regularly consuming foods rich in carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
• May reduce the risk of anemia
  A common condition, especially among women and girls of childbearing age, anemia results from a lack of oxygen in the blood. One of the most common causes is iron deficiency. Bell peppers provide modest amounts of iron but are remarkably rich in vitamin C, with half a bell pepper providing up to 100 mg. This is important because vitamin C increases iron absorption in the intestine, and numerous studies confirm that a diet rich in vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables leads to greater iron absorption. Bell peppers are also beneficial because they contain vitamin B6, which is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.
• May protect against certain chronic diseases
  Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, which have been linked to better health and protection against diseases such as heart disease and cancer. For example, chili peppers are particularly rich in antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. They also provide abundant amounts of polyphenols, protective plant compounds including lutein, quercetin, and capsanthin, the latter of which is particularly rich in ripe red bell peppers. As an antioxidant powerhouse, bell peppers offer strong anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of chronic disease. Unfortunately, large-scale studies specifically examining bell pepper consumption and the incidence of chronic disease are lacking.
• May delay age-related memory loss
  Interesting findings from animal studies suggest that eating bell peppers may be effective in preventing memory loss in people with Alzheimer's disease. Compounds found in ripe bell peppers appear to inhibit an enzyme that releases amyloid proteins—these proteins are responsible for their accumulation around nerve fibers and contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Subsequent research suggests that the many plant compounds found in bell peppers, including phenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids, may be responsible for these results.
• May have hypoglycemic effects

Animal studies suggest that peppers help manage blood sugar. However, while there is growing evidence that polyphenols, found in plants like peppers, have a beneficial influence on blood sugar and appear to help reduce the risk of diabetes, more human studies are needed. It is hoped that any future research will provide insight into how much polyphenol-rich foods would constitute an effective intake.