More Sonoma Diet Powerhouse Foods: B is for Bonanza - Part One

A is for Almonds; B is for Bell Peppers, Blueberries and Broccoli – three of the Sonoma Diet powerhouse foods.



Bell Peppers are off the charts in terms of vitamin C and A content. One cup provides almost 300% the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C and 105% the DV of vitamin A. Research at Kansas State University suggests that a diet rich in vitamin A can help counter the damage caused by benzo(a)pyrene, a carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, thus greatly reducing cancer risk as well as emphysema.



Bell peppers also contain vitamin B6 and folic acid. These B vitamins are very important for reducing high levels of homocysteine, shown to cause damage to blood vessels leading to a greatly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.



Red peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene, a carotenoid believed to reduce risk for cervical, bladder and pancreatic cancer. Bell peppers are also good for the eyes, protecting against cataracts and reducing the risk of macular degeneration.



One cup of bell peppers contains only 24 calories.



Tags: bell peppers, enjoy your food, The Sonoma Diet