Paprika is health ally and versatile ingredient in the kitchen

Ingredient used in various recipes, paprika, besides giving more flavor to the dishes, offers important health benefits when consumed regularly.

Ariane Braz A. C. Brazil, nutritionist at the Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital Complex, explains that paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers, often used as a spice.

The final taste of paprika may vary depending on the pepper used. The most consumed versions, including here in Brazil, are sweet paprika and spicy paprika. However, in some specialty stores it is possible to find smoked paprika.


The benefits of paprika consumption are mainly associated with its antioxidant properties. Check below how this spice can be an ally of your health and how it can be used in various types of recipes!

6 Health Benefits of Paprika

Paprika users can often benefit their health in many ways, such as preventing heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. See below the main advantages of this spice:

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1. Antioxidant Power: Ariane points out that paprika is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, including carotenoids, which prevent damage caused by oxidative stress (when there is excess free radicals in the body). Thus, various types of diseases and premature aging can be prevented.

2. Disease prevention: Ariane points out that another substance found in this spice is capsaicin, which helps in the treatment and prevention of cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and high blood pressure.

3. Increased immunity: As a source of vitamin A, paprika helps increase immunity.


4. Skin Health: Frequent consumption of paprika helps in health and beauty of the skin, contributing to the prevention of expression marks, wrinkles and sagging.

5. Eye Health: Paprika also acts to prevent eye damage, as it contains a significant amount of antioxidants, such as vitamin A and lutein.

Read also: 7 benefits of turmeric or turmeric and how to use it in everyday life

6. Versatility in the kitchen: This is a very versatile seasoning that gives a special touch to any kind of meat, potatoes and vegetables etc.

It is noteworthy that to enjoy these and other benefits that paprika offers, it is necessary to consume it regularly. For this, the ideal is to follow the guidelines of your doctor or nutritionist.

Difference Between Sweet Paprika And Spicy Paprika

You may have heard of both versions: sweet paprika and spicy paprika. Ariane explains that what differs them is the mode of manufacture: the sweet uses the seed in its manufacturing process, while the spicy is made with seedless peppers.

"Paprika can be used to season meat, fish, vegetables, but it should not be boiled because it is bitter," says the nutritionist. If it goes to the fire, it should be briefly, a maximum of five minutes, but the ideal is to add it to the end of the recipe.

Sweet paprika tastes rather mild and is generally used more to color foods such as fish, chickens, soups and sauces. The spicy paprika is indicated for those who enjoy dishes with more "striking" flavors, but can also be used in the seasoning of various foods, such as meat, fish, poultry, egg, pies, sauces, etc.

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Paprika Flavorful Recipes

Versatile, paprika can add flavor to many dishes. Get inspired with some recipes:

1. Bread with paprika, raisins and walnuts

A recipe with contrasts in taste and texture. The dough is delicate and slightly spicy at the same time. Check out the walkthrough here.

2.Fried squid with paprika and lemon

An easy recipe that goes well with a cold beer. In addition to these main ingredients, you will only use garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and chives. Check out how to do it!

3. Pork with paprika

Recipe of pork tenderloin steaks prepared with paprika, green-smell, garlic and white wine. Good tip for a tasty and easy to prepare lunch! check it step by step.

4. Lentil in the egg paprika sauce

A comfort food-style dish of pure affection: simple but tasteful. Check out the full recipe here.

Read also: Mustard prevents cancer and offers other amazing benefits

5. Baked potatoes with smoked paprika

Recipe for delicious baked golden potatoes with smoked paprika, garlic and turmeric. It is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Check out the recipe here.

6. Penne with Sausage and Spicy Paprika Sauce

The result is a plate of striking colors and flavors! Good choice for a Sunday lunch and no secrets to prepare! Check out the recipe here.

7. Farofa with garlic, paprika and olive oil

Good tip to vary the crumbs from day to day. You will need cassava flour, olive oil, garlic, paprika and salt. Check out the full recipe!

8. Tomato soup with thyme and paprika

This recipe is simple and in just a few minutes you will be ready for a tasty and healthy soup, which you can serve accompanied by toast, fresh bread or as you prefer. Check out the recipe here.

9. Goulash

For this recipe you will need butter, onion, sweet paprika, beef, garlic, red pepper, yellow pepper, tomato, carrot, potato, broth, bay leaf, salt, black pepper and sour cream (optional). ). check it step by step.

10. Chickpeas lamb

To make this super-complete dish, you will use lamb shank, garlic, pickled chickpeas, cumin, spicy paprika, coriander, water and lemon. Check out how to do it!

Remember that having sweet paprika and spicy paprika in the kitchen is a guarantee of preparing delicious and flavorful dishes.

Contraindications and warnings about consumption

Ariane points out that there are no contraindications to the consumption of paprika, except for those who are allergic to this ingredient.

Thus, taking care with the consumption of paprika is the same as with any other food: if you notice any allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the mouth or contact dermatitis, see your doctor and stop the consumption.

Now you know the incredible health benefits that paprika offers and have good inspiration from recipes to use as an ingredient in everyday life!

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