Summer time is pepper time! Bell peppers make a great grilled pairing to any backyard BBQ meal, and have multiple nutritional benefits that are essential to your health:
High in Vitamin A and C – these vitamins are beneficial in reducing the effects of aging, as well as boosting your immune system.
Contain multiple antioxidants – peppers are full of other antioxidants that serve numerous purposes in our bodies, such as reducing heart disease, fighting oxidative damage to our organs and promoting eye health.
High in Vitamin B6 – this B vitamin specifically increases the production of “feel-good” hormones, such as serotonin, to boost your mood.
Great addition to diet – bell peppers are excellent for weight management as they are low in calories, as well as high in nutrients.
Here are some creative ways to incorporate bell peppers into your meals:
EGG-IN-A-HOLE BELL PEPPER:
De-stem and remove the seeds of an organic red, yellow or orange bell pepper. Bake flesh side up for 5 minutes at 400 degrees on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Remove the peppers from the oven, and crack 1 whole egg into each half portion. Add feta or a cheese alternative (to taste) and season with garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt and parsley. Bake for another 20 minutes or until egg whites have solidified. Top with chopped organic green onion and chili flakes, and enjoy!
ZUCCHINI NOODLE PAD THAI WITH BELL PEPPERS:
Using a spiralizer, create noodles out of 2 whole organic zucchinis (medium sized), or using a peeler, peel thin layers of the zucchini to create papardelle-like noodles.
In a pan on medium heat, cook thinly sliced organic red, orange and yellow peppers (about 1-2 C), 1 clove chopped garlic and 1 tbsp. olive oil for 3-5 minutes or until peppers are fully cooked. Add zucchini noodles about 2 minutes in. Season with black pepper and sea salt.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp. tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), 1 tbsp. almond butter, 1 tsp. finely chopped ginger, sea salt and black pepper until a smooth sauce is created. Remove noodles and vegetables from heat, top with sauce and serve warm.
