Red, Green & Yellow Bell Peppers? Bet You Didn’t Know

Is there any difference–nutritionally or otherwise–among red, green and yellow bell peppers?

Excellent question — and yes, there are meaningful nutritional and phytochemical differences among red, green, and yellow bell peppers, even though they’re all the same species (Capsicum annuum) at different ripening stages.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

🫑 1. Green Bell Peppers — Immature stage

• Ripeness: Picked before full maturity.

• Taste: Slightly bitter, grassy, less sweet.

• Nutrients:

  • Vitamin C: About 95 mg per 100 g (still high).

  • Carotenoids: Low; mainly chlorophyll (which gives them their color).

  • Flavonoids: Higher in certain phenolic compounds (antioxidants that protect against inflammation).

  • Vitamin A (as β-carotene): Very little.

  • Folate & Vitamin K: Present in modest amounts.

• Other notes:

  • Slightly higher in polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, giving them stronger detox and liver-supportive effects.

  • Can be harder to digest for some people due to higher alkaloid content.

🩺 Best for: liver cleansing, chlorophyll intake, early-phase detox protocols.

🌕 2. Yellow (or Orange) Bell Peppers — Intermediate stage

• Ripeness: Partially ripened.

• Taste: Milder, a bit sweet and less bitter.

• Nutrients:

  • Vitamin C: ~120 mg per 100 g — highest among the three.

  • Carotenoids: Especially lutein and zeaxanthin (important for eye and macular health).

  • Vitamin A: Rising levels as carotenoids increase.

  • Antioxidants: Balanced—mix of chlorophyll (still some green) and carotenoids.

• Other notes:

  • A good midpoint between the cleansing effects of green peppers and the high-antioxidant profile of red peppers.

🩺 Best for: eye protection (lutein/zeaxanthin), immune support, and overall antioxidant balance.

🔴 3. Red Bell Peppers — Fully ripe stage

• Ripeness: Left on the plant to mature completely.

• Taste: Sweetest, mildest, richest flavor.

• Nutrients:

  • Vitamin C: ~150 mg per 100 g — more than 2× an orange.

  • Vitamin A: 9× higher than in green peppers due to β-carotene.

  • Lycopene: Present (same pigment as in tomatoes), linked to heart health and cancer protection.

  • Antioxidants: Highest overall; particularly capsanthin, a potent red carotenoid.

• Other notes:

  • Easier to digest; promotes collagen formation and immune strength.

  • Strong synergy with Vitamin E and Omega-3s for skin and vascular health.

🩺 Best for: skin repair, eye health, cardiovascular protection, immune defense.

🔬 Summary Table:

🌿 In your context (detox, kidney, eye, and circulation focus):

• Green peppers: Useful during detox or fasting phases for chlorophyll and mild bile stimulation.

• Yellow peppers: Ideal for your eye recovery phase — rich in lutein/zeaxanthin.

• Red peppers: Excellent for ongoing vitamin C and collagen support — helps wound healing and vascular tone.

A.I. Disclaimer

***

Save $$$ on Products I Use (Click Image to View All)

For discount coupon codes and direct links for some of unique health products I use, check out The Coupon Page —The Ageless Adept

***