Poblano Peppers—Capsicum annuum

Peppers are a rich source of vital phytonutrients that assist in the maintenance of health and nutrition. In this section, we will delve a little further into the nutritional profile of poblano peppers.

Constituents and description:

Poblanos are part of the genus Capsicum, which comprises over 200 different varieties of peppers. They, like others, are loaded with carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are mild in flavor and originate from Puebla, Mexico. The dried poblano is referred to as the ancho pepper.

Benefits:

Antioxidant effects:
They are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidant damage to our DNA that can happen via free radicals, which include reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. These free radicals can cause chronic inflammation through the ingestion of highly processed foods, high-fat foods, and other processes like frying and charring foods. This process can be worsened by exposing yourself to diets that are loaded with additives like food coloring and other synthetic agents that are added to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life.

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Chronic inflammation is the hallmark of chronic disease processes like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, etc. A healthy diet, inclusive of peppers like poblano, helps combat these disease processes. Carotenoids, which are an active ingredient in peppers, have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Both α and β carotenes help with the analgesic properties of peppers.

Anticancer effects:

Poblano peppers, with their high carotenoid content, have anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative effects. This makes them an ideal part of a diet targeted at disease prevention. In experimental models, the juice extracts of poblanos had preventative effects with respect to mutations. Mutation is a key process in cancer causation.

As discussed above, the inclusion of these peppers in our diet is a small investment in our overall health. As always, I wish that you keep your health and nutrition in center focus and live long and strong!