12 Amazing Health Benefits of Using Paprika in Food

Author: Priyanka Saxena on Nov 19,2020

Surprisingly, Paprika is the fourth most popular among the family of spices all through the world. And, you would find this extremely healthy spice in almost every kitchen. Made from the Capsicum species -- dried & ground peppers, paprika can taste from sweet to hot. For its perfect taste and flavor, paprika is used across different cuisines throughout the world. 

The spice is majorly manufactured in a few places including California, Spain, Hungary & South America. It appears red to orange and is most often used by sprinkling over stir-fries, pizza & dishes like that. 

Many do not know, but Paprika is a great energizer and it helps in treating a number of conditions like depression, tiredness & laziness. And, there are many more health benefits of including this popular spice in your daily diet. Paprika contains nutrients that help in better digestion aiding your weight loss regimen.  

Nutritional Value of paprika:

A tablespoon of paprika contains:

Potassium: 46.9 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg

Protein: 0.3 g

Total Calories: 5.8

Vitamin A: 1055 IU

Vitamin K: 1.6 mcg

Total Carbohydrate: 1.1 g

Dietary Fiber: 0.7 g

Total Fat: 0.3 g

Vitamin C: 1.4mg

Vitamin E: 0.6 mg

Calcium: 3.5 mg

Iron: 0.5 mg

Magnesium: 3.7 mg

Phosphorus: 6.9 mg

Zinc: 0.1 mg

Let’s talk in a little detail about the extraordinary health benefits of Paprika:

1. Helps in lightening your skin Complexion

For the iron vitamins, and beta-carotene content, paprika helps in preventing any aging spots or freckles -- and helps in lightening the skin. It restricts the production of melanin, which is considered responsible for the darkening of the skin.

2. Gives you Glowing Skin

Take one tablespoon of paprika and mix it with two tablespoons of honey to prepare a facemask. Apply it on your face and leave it to dry for around twenty minutes -- this face mask will instantly give a glowing look to your skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, or other blemishes. Don’t apply it on your skin if you are allergic to paprika or do a patch test to confirm it’s working for your skin. 

3. Paprika has anti-aging properties.

The beta-carotene content of paprika converts to vitamin A in the body, which is extremely helpful in maintaining healthy skin. It keeps your complexion light & also keeps your skin look younger & healthier.

4. Helps in Prevention of Hair Loss

Paprika is a rich source of vitamin B6, which is believed to be helpful in the prevention of hair loss. In addition to that Paprika is also rich in iron, which improves the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body and to the hair follicles thereby preventing hair loss. Paprika is also helpful in imparting color to your hair. 

5. Paprika has anti-inflammatory properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Paprika are pretty helpful for people who are suffering from any kind of or inflammatory autoimmune diseases. It relieves any kind of pain or swelling because of arthritis. 

6. Helps in Lowering Blood Pressure

The capsaicin in paprika helps in lowering the blood pressure level by keeping your blood vessels relaxed. 

7. Is the perfect Energy Booster.

If you often feel lazy and continuous energy drainage then you must add Paprika to your daily diet. The vitamin B6 content of paprika along with itself enables more than 100 other enzymes to get working perfectly. vitamin B6, which is a coenzyme helps with initiating biochemical reactions through the body resulting in the production of hemoglobin & neurotransmitters. And, the iron content of paprika helps in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body helping with treating depression, lethargy & tiredness. 

8. Promotes Eye health

The vitamin A content of Paprika promotes your eye health! The four carotenoids contained in paprika including zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein & beta-carotene helps in maintaining perfect eye health. The Lutein content helps in warding off all the age-related eye problems like cataracts & macular degeneration. 

9. Keeps your Digestive System Going

Paprika is also helpful for maintaining the amount of acid in the stomach thereby improving digestion. You can add paprika to your diet if you are struggling with indigestion and want to treat it. But, you must consult your doctor if you are on medication before adding this super-spice to your food. 

10. Makes you Sleep sound like a Baby.

The vitamin B6 content in Paprika promotes sound sleep! The psychological & neurological effects of paprika make it perfect for promoting sound sleep. Paprika produces  ‘sleep hormone’ melatonin, which is responsible for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. 

Other benefits of the Super-spice Paprika:

11. Prevents the growth of Bacteria

12. Prevents the occurrence of Anemia

Summary.

Paprika is the fourth most popular spice all across the world. The array of nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins & minerals makes it perfect for healthier living. On top of that, vitamin A, B complex, C, K & E -- imparts pain-relieving, detoxifying, and other medicinal properties. It may look like just spinach of the spice, but Paprika can help with curing a number of health conditions.