3 Incredible Health Benefits of Paprika

Paprika is a popular ground spice made from dried peppers harvested from Capsicum annuum plants. This vibrant red spice doesn’t just add color and flavor to meals, but is also a nutritional powerhouse.

From supporting vision to enhancing immune defenses, paprika offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

Discover three incredible health benefits of paprika and learn how this versatile spice can elevate your dishes while promoting a healthy body.

What is paprika?

Paprika is a bright red spice often sprinkled over deviled eggs, potato salad, roasted vegetables, and seafood.

Originating from Central and South America, paprika has become a staple seasoning in many cuisines and is now being cultivated worldwide. This has resulted in many unique variations, such as Hungarian and Spanish paprika, offering a spectrum of flavors and heat levels.

Paprika can be made from various pepper varieties, including:

• Cayenne pepper
• Aleppo pepper
• Bell pepper
• Sweet pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Pimiento pepper

While some varieties use spicier peppers, such as chili and Aleppo peppers, other sweet paprika powders made from red bell peppers offer a slightly sweet flavor with little to no heat.

Paprika is graded by color and quality using the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) rating scale. 

Ground paprika typically scores between 60 and 200 ASTA, with higher values indicating more vibrant color and superior quality.

Paprika 120 ASTA is one of the most commonly used premium paprikas, known for its vibrant red coloring and subtle, smoky flavor. 

In addition to being used as a ground spice, paprika is also available in extracts, such as oleoresin paprika. These concentrated forms are primarily used in the food industry as natural colorants and flavor enhancers.

Rich in carotenoids, including capsanthin and capsorubin, paprika extracts contribute to many vibrant red hues of processed foods, sauces, and seasonings.

Watch the video below to discover the many health benefits of paprika.

Is paprika keto-friendly?

Yes, paprika is a keto-approved food as it’s low in carbohydrates and won’t impact blood sugar or insulin levels. 

According to research published in Bioscience Reports, capsaicin, a compound found in hotter pepper varieties, such as chili peppers, can help promote weight loss.

The researchers found that capsaicin can increase fat burning, boost energy expenditure through thermogenesis, suppress appetite, and modulate the gut microbiome.

Using paprika to season keto meals is an excellent idea, as it not only adds flavor but may also help support weight loss by promoting fat burning.

3 benefits of paprika

Paprika is more than just a colorful spice. This nutritional powerhouse provides antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, needed to maintain overall health and wellness.

Here are three reasons why you should regularly consume paprika.

1. Supports eye health 

Paprika is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidants essential for ocular health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina, where they help filter harmful blue light from sources such as cell phones and computer screens and support visual acuity.

“Paprika is packed with beneficial phytochemicals,” explains Dr. Berg. “These include carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are vital nutrients for the eyes and can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.”

A study published in Ophthalmology found that adequate lutein and zeaxanthin intake appears to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. 

2. Enhances immune defenses

Paprika contains vitamin C and capsaicin, which support strong immune system functions and strengthen cellular protection against oxidative stress. 

A study published in International Immunopharmacology highlights that capsaicin, found primarily in hot paprika varieties, can modulate immune responses and improve the body’s ability to fight infections by influencing stress hormones.

The researchers stated, “Capsaicin is able to modulate chronic stress-induced immunosuppression, mediating corticosterone release inhibition, but also, that capsaicin significantly modulates the pharmacological action of corticosterone in vivo.”

3. Helps reduce inflammation

Paprika offers high concentrations of capsaicin, a bioactive compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Capsaicin may inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances in the body, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) and interleukins. This helps reduce inflammation and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

According to research published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, capsaicin can modulate various molecular pathways involved in inflammation and pain response.

The authors summarize, “Capsaicin has been demonstrated to have analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, and metabolic modulation effects.”

Keto-friendly recipes with paprika

Incorporating paprika into keto meals is an excellent way to add flavor without extra carbs. Its versatility makes it easy to elevate your dishes while sticking to your dietary goals.

Here are three delicious paprika-themed low-carb recipes.

1. Keto Smoky Drop Biscuits

If you’re missing bread on a low-carb diet, these Keto Smoky Drop Biscuits are perfect for satisfying your craving while staying in ketosis.

Made with almond flour, savory ghee, and smoked paprika, these biscuits are fluffy, flavorful, and low in carbs. 

They’re quick to make and pair well with almost any keto-friendly entrée, including soups, salads, and casseroles.

2. Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish, this Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a hearty and satisfying option.

The combination of tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and a hint of paprika creates a warm and flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

3. Keto Salmon Cakes

These Keto Salmon Cakes are a tasty way to enjoy seafood on a keto diet. 

They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while paprika adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon. These cakes are quick to prepare and make an excellent appetizer or main dish.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/ 
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161642024004251 
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S156757692033808X
4. https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/8/468