Health Benefits of Paprika
Paprika is the fourth most popular spice in the world. It is made from ground and dried peppers from the Capsicum annuum species. First cultivated in areas of Brazil and Bolivia, it was brought to Spain. Soon after arriving in Spain, it was grown in monasteries around the country.
Great Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A has always been known as an essential vision protecting nutrient but it is much needed for strong immunity, healthy skin and to keep your thyroid functioning properly. A teaspoon of paprika has nearly half the daily vitamin A requirement for women and one-third the requirement for men. Plus, vitamin A is incredibly important for pregnant women to help with proper organ development in utero.
Filled With Iron
A tablespoon of paprika provides 8 and 18 percent of the daily recommended intakes of iron needed for women and men, respectively. The iron from your diet helps to support cellular metabolism which allows your cells to carry out a series of chemical reactions, called the electron transport chain, that results in the energy production. Iron also supports the function of hemoglobin and myoglobin which are two proteins needed to transport and store oxygen that is needed by your tissues to function properly.
Adds More Vitamin E To Your Diet
If you need more vitamin E, consuming paprika is a great source. Vitamin E is known to help with blood clot formation and help to promote healthy blood vessel function. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant as well by preventing cellular lipids from destruction. A tablespoon of paprika supplies nearly 15 percent of the recommended daily intake needed for your body.
Helps You Sleep
Paprika is known to help promote deeper sleeps due to the vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is known to have both a powerful psychological and a powerful neurological effect on the body.
This vitamin contributes to the production of melatonin, “sleep hormone,” helping with normal sleep cycle. Adding paprika to your diet will also help to boost the body’s levels of serotonin and norepinephrine which are stress reducing hormones.
Strong Antibacterial Properties
A protein found in paprika is known to slow the growth of certain bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella. Researchers have found that adding paprika to your diet can slow their growth if you ingest the bacteria. Plus, paprika has been found to help with bacterial acne when consumed.
How long does paprika last?
If properly stored in containers with tight-fitting lids, paprika can keep for roughly 3 to 4 years.
What is the difference between sweet, hot and smoked paprika?
The sweeter or more delicately flavored paprikas are usually mainly for coloring, with a hint of flavor while the heat of the spicy paprika is for the cook who likes a more dominant flavor. The same is true with the smoked paprika.
