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Peppers and the Cretan Bowl Diet…Peppers also known as Capsicum are grown in a variety of colours, sizes and shapes. Raw in salads they are simply delicious and add bright colour too. When cooked they seem to add flavour to a variety of dishes and are well used in the Cretan Diet. Peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 has forms named Folate and Folic Acid. Folate occurs naturally in fresh foods, whereas Folic Acid is the synthetic form found in supplements. The body needs Folate to produce red blood cells, as well as components of the nervous system. It helps maintaining normal brain function, and is a critical part of spinal fluid. Folic Acid is vital for proper cell growth and development of the embryo, so it is important for women to have enough Folate/Folic Acid in their bodies both before and during pregnancy. Peppers also contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Vitamin A assists with cell reproduction. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and supports bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Deficiency of Vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is important in the production of energy and assists cells in converting carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Shortage of thiamine can cause weakness and fatigue.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy. Vitamin B6 is important in creating antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also needed for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 deficiency in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Vitamin C is an important vitamin in that it plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin K is fat-soluble and plays a major role in blood clotting. It regulates blood calcium levels and activates proteins involved in bone health. Peppers also contain Iron and Manganese. Iron deficiency can be a problem for infants, adolescent girls and pregnant women. Deficiency can also affect the immune system and cause weakness and fatigue. Manganese functions in enzyme reactions concerning blood sugar, metabolism, and thyroid hormone function.
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