*written by Andrew Akhaphong, Mackenthun's Registered & Licensed Dietitian Your dietitian's choice this week from September 17th thru September 23rd are bell peppers! The special is 4 bell peppers for $5.00, available in your produce department. Bell peppers are quite diverse across all different cuisines and cooking styles. Their vibrant color also packs them with so much vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your health! What Are Bell Peppers?Bell peppers are a type of edible nightshades called Capsicum annuum. In some areas around the world, they may be referred to as "sweet peppers" due to the lack of capsacium, the active component in many chili peppers that causes the spiciness flavor and/or burning sensation. Most grocery retailers in the United States sell four color varieties - green, yellow, orange, and red. Although, if you visit the farmer's market, you may have seen other varieties such as the aloha pepper (red and yellow streaks), purple bell peppers, and even white ones too! Each color variety differs in taste and even its nutritional value. Nutritional Quality of Bell PeppersGreen bell peppers are often bitter and have a stronger flavor while red bell peppers tend to be the sweetest of them all. For those who are curious about the colors that are seldom seen in grocery stores, white bell peppers have a juicy crunch with a sweet flavor while purple bell peppers are bitter like green bell peppers. One would mostly associate Vitamin C with fruits like apples and oranges; however, bell peppers are one group of vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C. The color of the bell pepper determines the quantity of Vitamin C with green bell peppers being the lowest and red bell peppers being the highest. Vitamin C is known to support the immune system, but it also assists collagen in rebuilding skin tissue and absorb iron to reduce the risk of anemia. Antioxidants, compounds found in food (often Vitamins and minerals) that support the immune system and reduce risk for certain conditions, differ with each color too. Green bell peppers are a good source of lutein and zexanthin which supports eye health. Both of these antioxidants are types of Vitamin A. Violaxanthin (a type of Vitamin A), found in orange and yellow bell peppers, protect your cells from free radicals that may increase the risk for cancers. Free radicals are reactive compounds that may take electrons from your cells. This may result in inflammation and increased risk for certain conditions. As for red bell peppers, they are a great source in lycopene and capsanthin (types of Vitamin A) that are known for their heart health and prostate health benefits. Ultimate Rainbow Veggie SandwichBy Sonja Overhiser, A Couple Cooks https://www.acouplecooks.com/ultimate-rainbow-vegetable-sandwich/ For the pickled radishes
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