As we age, our risk of certain diseases increases. For this reason, incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine becomes especially important as you reach middle age. And one of the most important habits to implement is adding nutrient-rich foods to your plate every day. As it turns out, a healthy diet can do more than take inches off of your waist; it can also help prevent diseases and allow you to live a longer life.
To discover one of the best foods you can eat regularly to reduce your risk of age-related diseases, we spoke to dietitian Trista Best. She said that bell peppers are among the healthiest options. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these colorful, crunchy veggies.
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."
READ MORE: 3 Bad Habits That Are Increasing Your Risk Of Age-Related Diseases Over 40, Experts Warn
