The plant that produces pepper, one of the indispensable vegetables of Turkish cuisine, is from the Nightshade family. Pepper, which spread from its homeland South America to the whole world and is also grown abundantly in our country, has about 700 species. The stems and branches of the pepper, an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 50-100 cm. become woody over time. In some places, it grows as a biennial plant and takes on a bushy appearance; it even becomes a tree in tropical regions.
Although it varies according to the species of the pepper plant, the color of its long oval-shaped, flat-edged leaves ranges from light to dark green. Its small flowers that bloom in the summer months are white and rarely violet. Pepper fruits vary greatly in color, shape, size and taste according to species. The fruit's shell is separated from the cluster of small, off-white, disc-shaped seeds by a gap.
In our country, varieties such as bell pepper, pointed pepper, charleston, tomato, ornamental pepper, etc. are grown. Pepper fruit is added to salads fresh, eaten as is; stuffed and pickled. Hot peppers are frequently used as spices. Tomato pepper paste is made and peppers are also added to various dishes.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 g. bell pepper or fresh pointed pepper are as follows: 22 calories; 1.2 g. protein; 4.8 g. carbohydrates; 0 cholesterol; 0.2 g. fat; 1.4 g. fiber: 22 mg. phosphorus; 9 mg. calcium; 0.7 mg. iron; 13 mg. sodium; 213 mg. potassium: 420 IU vitamin A; 0.08 mg. vitamin B1; 0.08 mg. vitamin B2; 0.5 mg. vitamin B3; 0.26 mg. vitamin B6; 9.8 mcg. folic acid; 128 mg. vitamin C and 0.7 mg. vitamin E.
Some of the nutritional values of hot red peppers are even higher. As follows: 32 calories; 3,840 mcg. Vitamin A source beta carotene: 140 mg. Vitamin C and 0.8 mg. Vitamin E.
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
In addition to the nutritional values seen above, some of which are quite high;
Peppers, with the antioxidants and other substances they contain, reduce the body's risk of developing many types of cancer and heart diseases; they also minimize the risk of stroke and cataracts.
Thanks to their richness in vitamin C, peppers increase the body's resistance to diseases and are healing in the first stages of colds.
Peppers are good for constipation due to the high fiber content.
o Especially hot peppers are a medicine for the lungs: They have expectorant functions; they prevent and relieve chronic bronchitis and emphysema; they relieve breathing difficulties.
o Again, hot pepper dissolves clotted blood in the veins, relieves pain and makes patients feel good.
o In addition, all peppers stimulate the stomach, increase digestive secretions. They open the appetite and facilitate digestion. They increase urination, and awaken the whole body.
To benefit from all these important effects, pepper types should be included in the daily diet and consumed in abundance.
Caution: If hot pepper is taken in excess, it can cause irritation in the stomach and intestines, and even cause kidney and liver disorders.
