Are Green Peppers Low in Carbohydrates?
All vegetables contain at least some carbohydrates -- and green peppers are no exception. However, while starchy vegetables are carb-rich foods, green peppers are lower in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for individuals trying to control carbohydrate – and total calorie -- intake.
All vegetables contain at least some carbohydrates -- and green peppers are no exception. However, while starchy vegetables are carb-rich foods, green peppers are lower in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for individuals trying to control carbohydrate – and total calorie -- intake. Green peppers are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Carbs in Peppers
One cup of sliced raw green peppers provides about 4.3 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in non-starchy vegetables are mainly simple carbohydrates. Of those 4.3 grams of total carbs, 1.6 grams are from dietary fiber, which can help lower your risk for developing certain chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, as well as gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, diverticulitis and constipation.
Green versus Other Peppers
Although the number of carbohydrates in vegetables varies widely, the carb content in other types of peppers is fairly similar to that of green peppers. For example, a 1-cup serving of sliced red peppers contains about 5.6 grams of carbs, a 1-cup serving of banana peppers provides about 6.6 grams, while the same size serving of sliced raw jalapeno peppers contains about 5.9 grams of carbs.
Carbohydrate Requirements
Eating peppers can help you achieve your daily carb requirement – without exceeding it or overindulging in calories. One cup of sliced raw green peppers only contains about 18 calories. The Institute of Medicine suggests that adults obtain 45 to 65 percent of their calorie intake from carbohydrates – which is 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates daily, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Peppers versus Starchy Vegetables
If you're seeking to boost your daily carb intake by eating vegetables, a variety of starchy vegetables – containing complex carbohydrates -- are much higher in carbs than green peppers. For example, 1 cup of green peas contains about 21 grams of carbs, while 1 cup of corn provides about 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 cup of potatoes contains about 26 grams of carbs.