Many people use paprika in cooking for its spicy flavour and its color but a great many are unaware of the health benefits of paprika. Being made from dried red peppers and originating from the West Indies and South America, it was not introduced to the rest of the world until the sixteenth century. Today, Spain and Hungary are considered the major producers of the peppers that go into the making of paprika.
Many meals and dishes benefit from paprika and its spicy taste. Consequently, more people are becoming aware of the alternatives that this spice can bring to an otherwise boring meal. The health benefits of paprika are an added advantage in this age of processed, unhealthy foods that are consumed more for their convenience than their taste. Depending on which part of the world particular paprika is produced, the tastes and colours can vary due to the different peppers that are used in the make up of the spice.
The variation in the taste and color can be attributed to the different conditions that the peppers are grown in, with different soils and climates being the main factors. The hot and fiery versions of the spice generally originate from Hungary whereas paprika from Spain tends to be milder and much sweeter. The health benefits of paprika are sometimes overlooked but are considerable. The body’s immune system can benefit from this spice as it is rich in vitamin C and a number of other antioxidants.
It is used in the treatment of poor circulation, depression, tiredness and lethargy. This is due to its energizing and stimulating qualities. Paprika is proven to contain amounts of vitamins A, E and K and these vitamins contain many benefits such as the enhancing of the capillaries and veins within the body. This spice can also improve the health of the heart and keep the blood pure with its high content of iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Paprika also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in lowering the risk of cancer. These are just some of the health benefits of paprika and added to foods and sauces can ensure that a diet is a lot healthier than without this vital ingredient.