Orange capsicums are on the menu for healthy eyes

Not only do orange capsicums add a splash of colour to our dishes, but they also play an important role in protecting our vision and long-term eye health.

Research by the University of Queensland (UQ) has identified orange capsicums as the richest source of the orange pigment zeaxanthin, which is found in the centre of the eye and plays an important role in protecting the eye-cells from certain harmful light sources, such as blue light.

Zeaxanthin deficiency makes individuals more susceptible to macular degeneration, a lasting eye disease that causes vision loss. In Australia macular degeneration affects one in seven people over 50 years of age and one in three over 80. Our bodies do not produce zeaxanthin, so it is important that we eat foods that contain the pigment to protect our eyes.

Zeaxanthin can be purchased as a supplement, but the real deal is better. A comparative analysis found that one orange capsicum contains zeaxanthin levels equivalent to 30 supplement tablets. So, if you want to increase your zeaxanthin levels, your best bet is to add some orange capsicums to your shopping cart.

Despite their impressive health benefits, a lack in consumer demand has meant few farmers grow orange capsicums and so they aren’t as easy to find compared to the red, green and yellow varieties.

Phil Stilo of Mildura Fresh Marketing is one of the few wholesalers within the Melbourne wholesale market to sell the orange variety. Stilo said ‘We don’t sell much of them because of the higher price, there’s just not as much demand. They’re more boutique compared to the other varieties."

UQ have created a program called Naturally Nutritious, which is funded by Hort Innovation and aims to address the lack of orange capsicum supply. The ultimate goal of the program and research is to make it viable and profitable for growers to produce more orange capsicums, and to educate consumers about their unique eye health benefits, in order to create demand.

Not only are orange capsicums important for our vision, but they also have a great shelf life and store well. And as far as flavour goes, the orange variety have a very tasty, sweet flavour.

Look out for orange capsicums the next time you’re at your local greengrocer, and if you spot one make sure to test it out. Your eyes will be better off for it!

Jordan Italiano, Fred Pascale and Phil Stilo of Mildura Fresh Marketing