Bell Harmony – A Bright Boost for Immune & Vision Health 🌶️

June 1, 2025

Red bell peppers are a nutritional standout, offering more antioxidant diversity than any other bell pepper variety. They’re brimming with vitamin C, pro-vitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, and an impressive lineup of flavonoids and polyphenols that support immune resilience, cellular repair, and overall wellness.

If you thought citrus fruits were the go-to source for vitamin C, think again - red bell peppers contain three to six times more vitamin C than oranges or lemons.

Savory. Mildly Sweet. Perfectly Balanced.
Introducing Bell Harmony - a vibrant new VooZee smoothie that redefines what vegetables can taste like. Coming soon!

🌱 What Makes Red Bell Peppers So Special?

A member of the Capsicum annuum Grossum Group, red bell peppers are known for their large, sweet fruits that range in color from green to red, orange, yellow, and even purple. Though technically a fruit, they’re commonly treated as vegetables in culinary use.

First domesticated over 7,000 years ago in Central Mexico, bell peppers have earned their place as one of the most versatile and healthful foods in the modern diet. Unlike spicy varieties in the Longum Group, red bell peppers contain little to no capsaicin, the compound responsible for heat, making them ideal for mild palates and sensitive stomachs.

🥗 Nutrition Snapshot (Per 1 Cup, Chopped – 120g)

Calories: 31
Fiber: 9% DV (2.5g)
Vitamin C: 253% DV (152 mg)
Vitamin A (as provitamin A): 75% DV (187 mcg)
Vitamin B6: 18% DV (0.35 mg)
Folate (B9): 14% DV (55 mcg)

🌟 Key Antioxidants

Capsanthin: 8.0 μg/g
A potent red carotenoid found almost exclusively in red bell peppers. Capsanthin provides strong antioxidant protection and gives peppers their signature red hue.

Quercetin: 34.0 μg/g
A powerful polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. It helps protect cells from oxidative damage and may lower the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer.

β-Cryptoxanthin: 4.9 μg/g
An oxygenated carotenoid similar in structure to β-carotene, but far less common in foods. It’s efficiently converted into vitamin A in the body and may lower the risk of lung, colon, and bladder cancers.

Luteolin: 11.0 μg/g
Another polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Luteolin is currently being studied for its role in brain and cardiovascular health.

β-Carotene: 5.4 μg/g
A well-known carotenoid precursor to vitamin A, supporting skin, eye, and immune health.

⚕️ Health Benefits at a Glance

👀 Eye Health

Red bell peppers are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene—nutrients that help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. These carotenoids defend the retina from oxidative stress, helping to preserve vision and eye function over time. Vitamin A further supports epithelial tissues, including the skin and eyes.

🛡️ Immune Support

Packed with vitamin C, red peppers enhance immune system responsiveness, reduce inflammation, and support collagen synthesis. Adequate vitamin C intake also aids in:

Enhancing iron absorption
Supporting healthy skin, cartilage, and bones
Promoting tissue repair and wound healing

🔬 Anti-Cancer Potential

Red bell peppers are among the best natural sources of β-cryptoxanthin, which research links to a lower risk of several cancers. Studies suggest it may have anti-carcinogenic effects, particularly for lung, colon, and bladder cancers, by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

🦴 Joint & Bone Health

Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, essential for maintaining healthy cartilage. This makes red bell peppers a supportive food for those with osteoarthritis. Their antioxidant compounds may reduce joint inflammation, and β-cryptoxanthin may promote bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.