Plant Characteristics

The bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a member of the Solanaceae (or nightshade) family, which includes potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes.  Bell peppers are native to Central and South America.  Sweet peppers can be found in green, purple, red, orange, and yellow colours.  Coloured peppers are actually green peppers that have been allowed to ripen on the vine, and are much sweeter.  The spices pimento and paprika are both prepared from red bell peppers.

Nutrition

Bell peppers are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available even though 100 g serving contains only 20 calories.  Bell peppers also contain substances, including capsaicin, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which have been shown to prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Peppers also contain beta-carotene, vitamin K, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B6.  Bell peppers are also a very good source of phytochemicals with exceptional antioxidant activity, such as chlorogenic acid, coumeric acid, and zeaxanthin.  Red bell peppers have significantly higher levels of nutrients than green ones.  These antioxidants help boost immunity and fight cancer and heart disease. They're valuable for vision as well.  Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, a carotene that offers protection against cancer and heart disease and are good for skin, immunity, bones and heart health.  

Studies have shown that bell peppers exert a protective effect against cataracts, possibly due to their vitamin C and beta-carotene content. Just one small red, yellow, or orange pepper gives you up to three times your daily requirement of vitamin C. Even green peppers provide more of this super antioxidant by weight than oranges do. Besides bolstering your immune system, vitamin C helps protect against heart disease and stomach and colon cancers, and it helps heal wounds. Peppers also provide vitamin B6, another immune-supporting nutrient that in addition helps your body use protein and fiber.  Red peppers supply abundant amounts of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A.

Conventionally grown peppers rank high on the list of pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables, so go organic when you can.

Sourced from:  http://www.sharecare.com/question/what-is-a-bell-pepper?partner=droz; http://www.sharecare.com/question/nutritional-value-of-bell-peppers?partner=droz; http://www.sharecare.com/question/health-benefits-eating-bell-peppers?partner=droz; http://www.wholeliving.com/article/power-foods-bell-peppers

Preparation

Sweet peppers are excellent roasted!  Use them to up the flavor of a myriad of dishes, from salads to bruschetta to pasta. Once roasted, peel off as much skin as possible with a paring knife, rub or blot away any remaining black patches with a paper towel.  Do not rinse or you will wash away much of the flavour.

Sourced from:  http://www.wholeliving.com/article/power-foods-bell-peppers

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