Composition and Health Benefits of Green Peas

A Rich Source of Vitamins and Other Nutrients for Good Health

Jul 23, 2009 Nita Mukherjee

Though green peas were consumed after dinner by the French and English to aid digestion, these tiny members of the legume family perform many other functions.

Green peas are supposed to have originated in south west Asia, specially in the Pakistan-Afghanistan region, and then spread to the temperate regions of Europe. They were given great importance in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Today they are a popular ingredient in items ranging from salads to main dishes, and sold fresh, canned or frozen.

Composition of Green Peas

Green peas are power packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.

  • They contain many of the vitamins of the B group, required for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They are the richest source of vitamin B1 or thiamin. Green peas are full of natural folate (or folic acid in the synthetic form), a water soluble vitamin B. They are a good source of vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine).
  • Green peas are also rich in vitamins A, C and K.
  • They are an excellent source of iron. Moreover, there are considerable amounts of calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and potassium.
  • They contain as much protein and energy as meat, being high in good quality protein.
  • Green peas are one of the best sources of soluble fiber.
  • Finally, they are low in fat.

Health Benefits of Green Peas

The composition of green peas imparts them with preventive properties.

Folic acid, along with B6, lowers homocysteine levels in the blood. This is a substance that encourages “bad cholesterol” to oxidize and block arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, green peas reduce the risk of heart problems. Homocysteine also weakens bones and causes osteoporosis, so green peas are good for the bones.

Vitamin K in peas also contributes to bone health. It raises osteocalcin ( a non-collagen protein in the bone) levels, and thus strengthens the bones. Moreover, it maintains the clotting of blood.

Vitamin C neutralizes damage by free radicals, and prevents cancer.

The iron content boosts the formation of blood cells, fights fatigue and increases immunity.

Finally, green peas stabilize the levels of blood sugar in the body, while boosting energy levels.

Green peas are easy to cook and consume, and widely popular as one of the most colorful, health packed and delicious food items. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients, and their preventive properties ensure good health.

Tips: To get the maximum benefits from peas, they should not be overcooked. It is best to parboil them for use in salads. They are particularly tasty when combined with carrots.

Frozen peas have advantages over canned ones, as they retain more flavor and less sodium.

The copyright of the article Composition and Health Benefits of Green Peas in Nutrition is owned by Nita Mukherjee. Permission to republish Composition and Health Benefits of Green Peas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Green Peas are Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients, Nita Mukherjee Green Peas are Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients
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