Asked June 16, 2016, 2:25 PM EDT
My sister took alittle bite of a Red Bell Pepper. ACE Organic leaf,,I wrote the name of the plant from the description stick next to it, which I was assuming the more you knew about what she ingested, you would have a better understanding of what she went through...Anyhow, within a few minutes she told me that she felt like she was in a sense hallucinating..Not in the sense like she took a tab of LSD, not that she would know what that was like, but everything around her momentarily was not making sense..You eat a tomato, you feel fine, you eat a cucumber you feel fine, you eat a small piece of a leaf of a red pepper and you feel nauseous, with a severe headache..She threw up twice because of the nausea, and finally started to feel better a few hours later..When I wrote this this morning asking what may have caused this reaction, I thought possibly that this was a textbook reaction regarding eating immature plants, or that some vegtables at an early stage of growing produces a ........., that makes it ........
I think you get the point..She feels better now, and knows not to eat a small piece of leaf..
I still though would like an answer out of curiosity, if you happen to find what may have caused this..Thanks for your help....PG
Dutchess County New York
Expert Response
I consulted colleagues who are HorticultureSpecialists with University of Missouri Extension. This is their response.
Peppers are solanaceous plants. Solanaceae is also known as the nightshadefamily. This plant family has highconcentrations of alkaloids, and are generally to be avoided, except when youknow a part of the plant is safe, like a pepper or tomato fruit. Potato tubers are ok, for example, but thetrue fruit of the potato (a small, green, tomato-like fruit) is considered"toxic". As far as I know, noleaves on any solanaceous plant would be considered edible, because of thealkaloids.
This reference from the MO Botanical Garden (see page 2) statesthe green parts/leaves of this family of plants, as well as sun-scaldedpotatoes, should not be eaten-
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/Factsheets/Vegetable%20Families69.pdf
She should probably consult a doctor, if she has not already.She may also use the poison control center (<personal data hidden>) as a reference.
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FAQs
Digestive Issues: Bell peppers contain fiber, and consuming too much fiber can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Capsaicin Sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive to capsaicin, a compound found in varying amounts in bell peppers, especially in the seeds and membranes.
What happens to your body when you eat bell peppers regularly? ›
Bell peppers are rich in many vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and various carotenoids. For this reason, they may have several health benefits, such as improved eye health and reduced risk of several chronic diseases. All in all, bell peppers are an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Are bell pepper plants toxic? ›
🌶️ Debunking the Myth. The myth of pepper plant toxicity to humans persists, but it's time to set the record straight. Unlike some houseplants and garden varieties that pose risks, the common pepper plant, known for its fiery fruits, is not toxic to humans.
What are the properties of red bell peppers? ›
For instance, peppers are especially rich in antioxidant vitamins including vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. They also supply bountiful amounts of polyphenols, these protective plant compounds include lutein, quercetin and capsanthin, the latter being especially rich in ripe red peppers.
What is the bad effect of pepper in the body? ›
You may experience indigestion, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal issues, though, if you eat too much. If it accidentally gets into the lungs, black pepper could even result in death, especially in children. In some cases, individuals who are allergic to black pepper will have a severe respiratory reaction.
Is bell pepper bad for your gut? ›
It's OK to eat bell peppers every day, but some people may need to limit their intake to one per day. Consuming too many bell peppers may cause gas and bloating in some, due to their high fiber content. It's also a good idea to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Can you eat immature peppers? ›
Sure, they are still edible, but they have a raw, green flavor that some may not enjoy. Whatever you do, don't toss them out because you can still ripen those green peppers.
When should you not eat bell peppers? ›
The skin will be firm and the stem will be green. The first sign of rotten or decaying bell peppers is wrinkled and soft skin, followed by brown, spots and holes. Peppers that are going bad or are past their prime may also start to smell or show visible signs of mold.
Who should not eat bell peppers? ›
Compounds in bell peppers may also help to protect against inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. If people have a pepper or nightshade allergy, they may need to avoid bell peppers. Bell peppers are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal. People can slice them and eat them raw, roast, grill, or fry them.
Which color bell pepper is the healthiest? ›
You've seen bell peppers -- green, orange, yellow, and red -- in the grocery store or in a salad bar. Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest.
Red peppers are a rich source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. Interestingly, red bell pepper is also the only Capsicum variety that contains little to no capsaicin—the compound responsible for spiciness. Red peppers also contain: Calcium.
Is it better to eat bell peppers raw or cooked? ›
Bell peppers, whether raw or cooked, are packed with vitamin C and various antioxidants. Eating them raw provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking bell peppers can increase the availability of other nutrients. Roasting or grilling bell peppers enhances their natural sweetness and offers a delightful flavor.
What are two common diseases that happen with bell peppers? ›
Fungal Diseases
- Damping-off. Damping-off is a disease of seedlings and occurs on the seeding table when the young plants are just beginning to grow. ...
- Pythium crown and root rot. ...
- Fusarium stem and fruit rot. ...
- Gray mold. ...
- Powdery mildew.
But too much hot pepper can give you belly pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a burning feeling in your gut. Even kids are ending up in the ER after too much munching.
When should you not use a bell pepper? ›
How to Tell if Peppers Have Gone Bad. Fresh peppers are firm, smooth, shiny, and heavy for their size. Wrinkles are the first sign of spoilage, accompanied by softness, then bad spots/holes and mold. Yellow, orange, and red bell peppers tend to spoil faster than green, due to their sweeter and riper nature.
