Green Peas
Pea plant is a hardy leafy annual with hollow trailing or climbing stems that reach up to 1.8 m in length. The stems feature terminal tendrils that facilitate climbing and bear compound leaves with three pairs of leaflets. The reddish purple, pink, or white flowers, growing two to three per stalk, are butterfly-shaped. The fruit is a pod that grows to 10 cm long, splitting in half when ripe. Inside the pod, 5–10 seeds are attached by short stalks. The seeds are green, yellow, white, or variegated.
Nutrition
value per 100 g:
● Energy 81 kcal (4% RDA)
● Carbohydrates 14.45 g (11% RDA)
● Fat 0.4 g (2% RDA)
● Protein 5.42 g (10% RDA)
● Thiamine B1 0.266 mg (22% RDA)
● Riboflavin B2 0.132 mg (10% RDA)
● Niacin B3 2.09 mg (13% RDA)
● Vitamin C 40 mg (67% RDA)
● Vitamin E 0.13 mg (1% RDA)
● Calcium 25 mg (2.5% RDA)
● Iron 1.47 mg (18% RDA)
● Magnesium 33 mg (8% RDA)
● Manganese 0.41mg (18% RDA)
● Potassium 244 mg (5% RDA)
● Sodium 5 mg (<1% RDA)
● Zinc 1.24 mg (11% RDA)
Health
Benefits From Peas Are As Follows:
1- Improves
Digestion:
Peas improves digestion because of high fibre content present in pods helps in
maintaining good digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, enhances
smoother bowel regularity.
2- Prevents Anaemia:
Peas are a good source of iron. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia
that body cannot make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, thereby
causing haemoglobin deficiency. Iron helps combat fatigue and gives strength.
3- Boosts Immunity:
Peas are rich in vitamin C, which makes it one of the best immunity building
foods. Pea shoots also contains phytoalexins, an antioxidant that can inhibit
H. Pylori, the bacterium that causes stomach and duodenal ulcers and stomach
cancer.
4- Eye Health:
Peas are packed with carotenoid pigments lutein. Lutein is known to reduce the
risk of cataracts and macular degeneration or loss of vision in old age. Peas
can also boost eyesight.
5- Heart Health:
Insoluble fibre content present in Peas helps reduce the risk of heart disease
and stroke. Peas also help in ensuring stable blood sugar regulation in the
body.
6- Weight Loss:
Peas are low in fat and calories as compared to legumes such as beans and
cowpeas. High content of fibre too plays its role in weight reduction. Fibre
helps induce the feeling of fullness which keeps from bingeing into other
foods.
7- Skin Care:
Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which plays a significant role in
the production of collagen. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and glowing.
Vitamin C also protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants help fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The
antioxidants such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid and alpha
carotene helps prevent signs of ageing too.
8- Good for Men's Health:
Peas can help increase sperm count and motility. Peas can help strengthen
sperms and improves their ability to fertilize an egg.
9- Prevents Alzheimer’s and Arthritis:
Vitamin K present in Peas helps in the prevention of serious diseases such as
Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Regular consumption of Peas limits neuronal damage
in the brain. Peas are considered to be the best source of vitamin K.
10- Anti-Ageing Properties:
Antioxidants which are present Pea such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin,
carotenoid, and alpha carotene are helpful in preventing the aging process of
skin and tends to provide a natural glow.
11- Supports Pregnancy:
Fresh Pea pods are considered as an excellent source of folic acid. Folates are
B-complex vitamins that are required for DNA synthesis inside the cell.
Adequate amount of folate rich foods in expectant mothers would help in
preventing neural tube defects in the newborn babies.
Other Uses
- Fresh Peas
are often eaten boiled and flavored with butter and spearmint as a side dish
vegetables, salads, and casseroles.
- Dried Peas are often made into a soup or simply eaten.
- Peas can be roasted and salted, and eaten as snacks.
Warnings
- Peas
contain a substance called purines. People who have kidney disorder or gout,
should not include Peas in their meal.
Comments
Post a Comment