Paprika is a ground spice derived from a variety of dried peppers. The taste can range from sweet to hot, with some even having a smoky flavor. The spice is used around the world, and is popular in Hungarian, Spanish, and Mexican cuisine. It contains capsaicin, which has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits. To learn more about these paprika spice benefits, continue reading here.
*Note: Many of these paprika spice benefits still need more definitive testing to prove their impact.
6. UV Protection
Starting our list of paprika spice benefits is helping protect against UV rays. A study showed that dietary paprika xanthophylls suppressed UV-induced skin damage, and protect your skin against harmful ailments. The compounds are found in red paprika, which could be useful to incorporate into your diet. This can be especially useful for those constantly out in the sun’s rays.
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5. Promote Healthy Vision
Fifth on our list of paprika spice benefits is promoting healthy vision. Paprika contains several nutrients that aid in eye health, including vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Plus, some studies have linked a high intake of these nutrients to decreased risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin in particular may help prevent damage to your eyes.
4. Have Anti-Cancer Effects
Next on our list of paprika spice benefits is possibly preventing cancer. Several academic studies have pointed out the anti-cancer effects of capsaicin, so adding paprika to your diet may help protect against a variety of cancers. Other helpful nutrients include beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to decrease oxidative stress, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
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3. Improve Cholesterol Levels
Rounding out our top three paprika spice benefits is helping your cholesterol levels. Capsanthin in paprika may raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease. The same nutrient may also help decrease levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. A 12-week study showed that in 100 healthy adults, those who ate paprika had significantly lower levels than those with a placebo.
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2. Reduce Inflammation
Second on our list of paprika spice benefits is lowering inflammation. Certain varieties of paprika contain capsaicin, which is thought to bind to receptors on your nerve cells to reduce inflammation and pain. Adding this to your diet may help against several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis and nerve damage. One study even showed decreased stomach inflammation in subjects with gastrointestinal diseases.
1. Improve Blood Sugar Control
Last but not least on our paprika spice benefits list is improving blood sugar control. Capsaicin in paprika could help manage diabetes by influencing genes involved in blood sugar control and enzymes that break down sugar in your body. A study with 36 adults found that a diet with paprika decreased blood insulin levels after meals compared with a paprika-free diet.
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