What is Pimento?
Overview:
Pimento is scientifically known as Capsicum annuum and belonging the capsicum family of nightshade plants (Solanaceae). Pimento is a type of small red pepper-like other peppers that are light and sweet as bell pepper. The pimento pepper is heart-shaped to look at. The pepper is 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) long and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) wide. Pimentos can have different colors including yellow, green, red and maroon. Some turn green when immature and red when they reach maturity. Pimento flesh is sweeter, juicier and more fragrant than red sweet pepper.
As a food ingredient like stuffed olives or specialty cheese, pimento is their common name “pimiento” which comes from the Spanish word. Pimento is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate and Vitamin K. Having high amounts of vitamins can help reduce the risk of various serious medical conditions.
Nutrient Value of 100 gm Pimentos
Water : 93.1gm
Energy : 96 kJ
Protein: 1.1gm
Lipid (Fat): 0.3gm
Ash : 0.4gm
Carbohydrate: 5.1gm
Fiber: 1.9gm
Sugars, : 2.71gm
Calcium,: 6mg
Iron,: 1.68mg
Magnesium : 6mg
Phosphorus: 17mg
Potassium, : 158mg
Sodium: 14mg
Zinc: 0.19mg
Copper: 0.05mg
Manganese,: 0.09mg
Vitamin C: 84.9mg
Thiamin : 0.02mg
Riboflavin : 0.06mg
Niacin: 0.62mg
Vitamin B : 0.22mg
Vitamin A: 133 µg
Vitamin E: 0.69mg
Vitamin K: 8.3 µg
Fatty acids: 0.23gm
Phytosterols : 9mg
Tryptophan : 0.01gm
Threonine : 0.04gm
Isoleucine : 0.04gm
Leucine : 0.06gm
Lysine : 0.05gm
Pimento pepper has many health benefits.
Among the many health benefits of Pimento pepper are its ability to prevent cancer growth, increase immunity, eliminate unstable leg syndrome, increase skin health and support cell growth, protect eye health, increase anemia and are effective for Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Prevent cancer growth
Researchers have found that high consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of various types of cancer. And the use of vitamin C reduces the risk of cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, colon, rectum, stomach and esophagus. Pimento peppers are rich in vitamin C which is about 84.9mg of vitamin C. So you can include Pimento in your regular diet to stay safe from cancer.
2. Eliminates restless leg syndrome
Unstable leg syndrome is a neurological illness, causing the urge to move the legs frequently. Such sensations improve at rest and therefore can cause sleep problems. Studies have shown that iron deficiency can lead to unstable leg syndrome in the elderly. That is why you have to take the iron supplement. Therefore, regular consumption of iron-rich foods can get rid of this disease. The high iron content of pimento pepper also works to alleviate restless leg syndrome.
3. Increases skin health and cell growth
Vitamin A in Pimento pepper is very effective in healing skin wounds and the growth of skin cells. It helps fight cancer on the outer and inner skin cells. Glycoprotein formation requires a combination of vitamins, sugars, and proteins that help cells form soft tissue together.
Vitamin A in Pimento Pepper keeps the skin lines and wrinkles away and produces more collagen which can keep the skin young and improve the overall health of the skin. Vitamin A is also needed for healthy hair.
4. Protects eye health
Malnutrition is a major cause of various eye diseases. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in vitamin B6, such as folate protect eye health by preventing eye diseases as well as enhances eyesight. Pimento pepper helps to slow down the onset of eye disease.
5. Reduce the risk of internal bleeding
Vitamin K helps reduce the risk of bleeding in the liver and impairs poor absorption of nutrients. The deficiency of this vitamin K can lead to a number of diseases related to the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, foods rich in vitamin K must be included in the regular diet.
6. Proper healthy growth and bone development
Copper-containing pimento is essential for normal healthy growth. It helps protect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Due to the copper deficiency, normal and healthy growth of organs and tissues as well as their abundant red blood cell concentration will make their proper oxygenation impossible. Copper deficiency causes birth and growth defects in children. Therefore, it is important to include it in the daily diet for healthy growth and bone development.
7. Blood sugar levels
Adequate amounts of manganese in Pimento pepper can help control blood sugar levels in the human body. Prevents the transmission of diseases like diabetes. By regulating blood sugar levels, manganese normalizes insulin synthesis and insulin secretion, and unpredictable blood sugar drops can be better controlled which providing a normal life for diabetics.
8. Arthritis prevention
Research has shown that taking vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide is effective in lowering joint pain, improving muscle strength and increasing joint mobility of muscle or joint fatigue. Niacinamide improves flexibility and is effective in reducing swelling. Niacinamide is an ideal painkiller for arthritis. Therefore vitamin B3 content of pimento should be taken regularly to stay fit and disease-free.
9. Immune system
The daily supply of vitamin C in raw pimento provides the body with the required amount of antioxidants and maintains the skin, blood vessels, teeth and bones which protects them from harmful activity. Taking vitamin C can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancer. The vitamin C content of chilies decreases rapidly when exposed to heat, light and air. Choose raw or frozen peppers to get the highest concentration of vitamin C from pimento. Keep the raw peppers in a cool, dark place and you can eat them within three to four days of purchase.
How to use the Pimentos?
Sweet Pimentos peppers are the familiar red stuffing found in the middle prepared Spanish or Greek green olives. Green olives are usually filled with sweet varieties of pimento for their strong taste. These peppers were cut into small pieces and pressed into the olives by hand. Moreover, Pimentos has many uses. These can be cut and eaten in salads, delicious addition to pasta dishes. Pimento cheese is one of the most used in the Philippines and is also very popular in the southern United States.
Pimento pickles, can be eaten fried and eaten in a spread for sandwiches or with cereals or beans at the end of puree or cooking. Cut and freeze the peppers to add to the soup and stew or stuffing.
More of The pimentos recipes:
stuffed pimentos recipes, canning pimentos recipes, dromedary pimentos recipes, roasted pimentos recipes, olives with pimentos recipes, recipes that use pimentos, pinwheel recipes with pimentos, chicken casserole recipes with pimentos, recipes with jarred pimentos, ,diced pimentos recipes, pimentos dip recipes, pimento cheese spread, cheese pimiento recipe.