Peas: chemical composition, useful properties and contraindications.

Peas are a genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the legume family. The plant is creeping and climbing, has tendrils, pink and white flowers and pod-like fruits in which there are edible seeds. There are quite a few varieties of this crop, but the most common is the seed pea.

The Pea's Origin

Although the origin of peas is not precisely established, it is one of the oldest crops. Many experts agree that the plant comes from the Mediterranean. But it is also worth noting that not so long ago, ancient remains of this culture were discovered in the Middle East, belonging to the late Neolithic period. Apparently, they came to the European continent from the Middle East and later with the European colonization peas migrated to the American continent and other parts of the world.

Types and varieties

There are many varieties of peas grown around the world. Each variety has its own distinctive flavor. Plants can be distinguished by appearance, growing method, etc. Let's look at some types and varieties of peas.

1. Pea pea. Pea peas have smooth grains. As a rule, they are harvested when the fruits have not yet had time to ripen. We can distinguish such varieties - first early, primrose, vera, salute.
2. Brain peas. Brain peas have some differences from the other species in the type of beans. As a rule, the beans are rather wrinkled, with irregularities. The most popular varieties are green stream, emerald pearl, violet, baby delight.
3. Sugar Pea. Sugar snap peas have fleshy, tender beans. They should be consumed fresh, as long as they are green in color and small in size. Peas are edible not only beans, but also pods. There are distinguished such varieties as - honey spatula, firstborn, zhegalova-112, sugar-2, ambrosia, inexhaustible-195.
4. Low-growing varieties. Most of the low-growing pea varieties have small stems. The plants are curly, so they are usually gartered. Dwarf or low-growing varieties are 30-70 cm tall. Popular varieties are alpha, Kelvedon's miracle, Chinese, Grandma's surprise.

Among the species of this culture there are also unusual varieties - blue pod, moustachioed babysitter, slider.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Nutritional value of peas (in 100 g):

• Energy value - 118 kcal.
• Total protein - 8.34 g.
• Fat - 0.39 g.
• Carbohydrates - 21.10 g (including simple sugars - 2.90 g).
• Fiber - 8.3 g.
• Vitamin C - 0.4 mg.
• Thiamine - 0.190 mg.
• Riboflavin - 0.056 mg.
• Niacin - 0,890 mg.
• Vitamin B6 - 0.048 mg.
• Folic acid - 65 micrograms.
• Vitamin A - 7 IU.
• Vitamin E - 0.03 mg.
• Vitamin K - 5,0 ug.
• Calcium - 14 mg.
• Iron - 1.29 mg.
• Magnesium - 36 mg.
• Phosphorus - 99 mg.
• Potassium - 362 mg.
• Sodium - 2 mg.
• Zinc - 1,00 mg.

How are green peas useful?

General benefits

1. Improves heart health. Peas are an excellent source of fiber, lutein and lycopene, which help normalize heart function. Lycopene is a mineral that keeps cells healthy and protects them from disease. The compounds in peas stabilize cholesterol levels in the body while lowering LDL cholesterol and accelerating HDL cholesterol production. Too much LDL can lead to the formation of plaques on artery walls that interfere with normal heart function.
2. Regulates blood sugar levels. Because peas are rich in fiber and protein, they can maintain normal blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of peas helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Good for the eyes. In addition to lutein, peas are also rich in vitamin A, which is very good for vision. Lutein protects the eyes at the cellular level, while vitamin A maintains the normal condition of the surface of the eyeball. Therefore, people of advanced age are advised to consume peas regularly, as they can significantly slow down vision loss.
4. It helps to control body weight. Peas are an excellent source of fiber and it is known to help control body weight. Dietary fiber takes an active part in regulating digestive function, reducing appetite and increasing satiety. In addition, fiber effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels, which are very harmful to the body.
5. Prevents the development of stomach cancer. One of the special minerals found in peas is coumestrol. It is a fairly rare type of polyphenol that prevents stomach cancer. Experts say the body needs at least 2 milligrams of coumestrol a day to prevent this disease (one standard serving of peas contains 10 milligrams).
6. Supports the immune system. Peas are rich in vitamin C, making them one of the foods that can strengthen the immune system. One pea pod can provide up to half of the body's daily requirement for vitamin C. The bean pods contain phytoalexins, an antioxidant that can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that irritates the stomach and duodenum and causes stomach ulcers and even cancer.
7. Excellent source of iron. Peas are an excellent source of iron. As we know, iron deficiency in the body can cause anemia. If the body lacks this element, it cannot produce enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which leads to hemoglobin deficiency. It is also worth noting that iron helps fight fatigue and gives energy.
8. Helps digestion. Peas are beneficial to the digestive system. The high fiber content in the pods helps maintain normal digestive function. Dietary fiber helps the intestines flush toxins out of the body.
9. Bone Health. Peas contain vitamin K, which is very important for maintaining healthy and strong bones. One standard serving of peas provides up to 50% of the daily allowance of vitamin K, which humans need because it is responsible for retaining calcium in the bones. Calcium, on the other hand, is the main element that keeps bones strong and healthy. The more of it, the better the condition of the bones and the less chance that the disease will affect them.
10. Anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants in peas can relieve inflammation and its effects. Peas contain flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Inflammation is a major cause of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and even cancer, so regular consumption of peas can help avoid them.
11. Improves the functional properties of the brain. Peas are very important for proper brain function. As we age, its functions deteriorate, which leads to memory loss and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Regular consumption of peas limits damage to brain neurons. It protects against age-related brain dysfunction.
12. Reduces harmful cholesterol levels. Peas are rich in niacin, which reduces the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein). As a result, HDL (good) cholesterol goes up and bad cholesterol goes down.

For women

1. Peas are good for your skin. They contain vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of collagen, which can make the skin firm and also give it a healthy look. The antioxidants found in peas help fight oxidative stress caused by large amounts of free radicals. Antioxidants such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid and alpha-carotene also help prevent signs of aging.
2. Beneficial for hair. Supplying vital nutrients to the hair follicles is essential for optimal hair growth and health. Peas are an excellent source of nutrients that provide these processes. As stated earlier, they contain B vitamins such as folate, vitamins B6 and B12. These help in the creation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells in the body, including the scalp, follicles and hair roots. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to hair loss, slow growth or weakening. Vitamin C is an important mineral because it is involved in the formation of collagen, which hair follicles need for optimal growth. Even a slight deficiency of this vitamin can lead to dry and brittle hair.

For men

1. Peas are good for men's health. It can increase the number of sperm cells and their motility. Glycodelin, a substance found in peas, affects sperm cells, improving their ability to fertilize an egg.
2. Peas are a source of protein. The most valuable protein is vegetable protein, which is found in the seeds of beans. Peas are also a source of protein and are especially high in lysine and threonine, as well as essential amino acids. Protein can help maintain muscle tone as well as build muscle mass. It is also recommended to include peas in the diet of vegans and vegetarians.

For kids.

Green peas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have been found to be rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, K, and C. Peas are also rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. It also contains fiber, protein, carbohydrates, niacin and folate. It is a recommended dietary product for children.

The child can begin to feed a solid food from six months of age. However, it is still quite early to give him peas, because its side effects can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Experts recommend including peas in a baby's diet when he reaches the age of eight months.

Here are some properties of peas that are beneficial to children's bodies:

• helps strengthen the immune system;
• reduces homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease;
• helps get rid of constipation, improving digestion;
• Leads to better bone health.

The benefits and harms of dried peas

Dried peas contain a number of vitamins and minerals. 100 grams of dried peas contain:

• 75 mcg of molybdenum (more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance);
• 0.4 mg of manganese (20% of the recommended daily allowance);
• 0.35 mg of copper (20% of the recommended daily dose);
• 65 mcg folate (15% of the recommended daily dose);
• 0.2 mg of vitamin B1 (15% of the recommended daily dose).

It is worth noting that molybdenum contained in peas is one of the vital micronutrients. It inhibits the development of bacteria and can also prevent tooth decay.

But as useful as dried beans are, they also have side effects. For example, flatulence can occur after consuming them. Bloating occurs because beans contain large amounts of non-digestible sugars that are destroyed by bacteria in the colon, which leads to excessive gas formation.

The benefits and harms of canned peas

Canned peas have undeniable valuable properties. Pea juice is considered particularly useful. There is a widespread belief that peas should not be consumed by people who are trying to lose weight, arguing that the beans are rich in carbohydrates. But in fact the opposite is true: beans are very useful in a low-calorie diet because peas, especially canned peas, taste great and contain almost no fat.

But canned peas do have some drawbacks.

1. Sugars, which are flavor enhancers, can be quite harmful to the human body.
2. Also very often some preservatives are added, which can also have a negative impact on health.

Sprouted peas: benefits and harms

Sprouted peas have a large number of useful properties. The first thing that can be highlighted is that it can support the immune system. The high content of nutrients makes it a preventive measure and helps the body to be more resistant to disease.

Sprouted peas also contain many antioxidants, which help maintain both the external and internal youth of the body. It is worth noting that the degree of usefulness of this product depends on the amount of beans consumed. If you observe the limits of what is allowed, then peas will not do any harm. Nutritionists recommend to consume peas on a regular basis, because peas are just a treasure trove of useful substances.

In addition to the useful properties, sprouted peas have contraindications. Dietitians forbid to eat it for people who suffer from diseases of the digestive system, since beans can cause excessive gas.

Can peas be eaten by pregnant and nursing women?

There are several benefits to eating peas during pregnancy:

1. Peas are rich in folic acid. In order for the baby to be born healthy, it is very important to consume enough nutritious foods during pregnancy, because during this period there is another living thing in the mother's body, which increases the body's need for additional nourishment. Peas are just such a product. It contains folic acid, which can stimulate the synthesis of DNA. During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume peas to avoid fetal neural tube defects.
2. It is rich in vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 is known to reduce the risk of fetal defects during pregnancy. Peas are high in vitamin B9, which, in addition to being important in preventing neural tube defects in the baby, is also essential in maintaining healthy cognitive functioning of the fetus.

Peas in medicine

In the field of medicine it is used to stimulate urination, relieve upset stomach, treat edema and constipation.

In Diabetes Mellitus.

If you consume enough peas, it will have a significant impact on reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Green peas are rich in protein, potassium, magnesium and iron, which prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Peas have a low GI, but more importantly, their glycemic load is very low. This means that the sugars are released quite slowly and this is beneficial to the diabetic's body.

It is important to know: The glycemic index of green peas is 40 units, dried and canned - 25-45, boiled peas have a GI - 45.

In pancreatitis

Peas should not be included in the diet of people with the acute phase of pancreatitis, as it can provoke: diarrhea, flatulence (with insufficient digestion), intestinal cramps and washout of useful minerals from the body.

If the disease is in a mild form, it is allowed to consume peas, especially since they contain protein that takes part in the pancreatic recovery processes. As a rule, with pancreatitis, peas are served in the form of mashed potatoes or soups.

For gastritis

People who are sick with gastritis can eat peas, but in moderation. If flatulence occurs after consumption, then the beans should be abandoned, because excessive gas formation can have a very negative effect on health. It is also worth noting that canned peas are dangerous for gastritis, because the pickle has additional acidity, which can provoke an acute phase of the disease.

Recipes of folk medicine based on peas

Peas are an indispensable product in the diet. They cope with many ailments and have medicinal properties necessary for the recovery of the body.

For heartburn

Flour made from peas helps well with heartburn. To prepare it, you need to grind dry peas to powder, dilute with a little water and take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach. This remedy has a soothing effect on the stomach and reduces the secretion of gastric juice.

For a headache

To do this, crush dried peas into a powder. Consume 2 dessert spoons after meals. Peas quickly get rid of migraines, relieve pain and vasospasms.

From urolithiasis.

If there are stones and sand in the kidneys, a decoction of young peas will help. It should be cut into small pieces, select 2 tablespoons, pour them with a glass of boiling water and let stand for several hours. After that, the resulting decoction should be filtered and consumed 3 times a day before meals.

For cysts of the spleen

With this serious disease will help the following recipe: 8 tablespoons of peas should be soaked in hot water in the evening. The next day, drain the tincture, rinse the peas and pour water over them. Boil for 20 minutes. Take 2 weeks - in the morning before breakfast and a couple of hours before bedtime. It is recommended to eat peas without bread and salt, you can add greens. Soaked peas have useful elements, removes excess fluid and toxins from the body, removes inflammation. Thanks to this, the cyst will quickly dissolve.

When cystitis

The remedy for cystitis is prepared as follows: 100 g of peas pour 500 ml of water, let boil on the stove and boil for another 5 minutes. The decoction should be allowed to cool, then filtered and taken 3 times a day with a few sips.

With a cough

To prepare the infusion, pour hot water 5 grams of peas and insist under a tight lid for 6 hours. Take 2-3 sips 4 times a day.

With dermatitis

Peas are effective against inflammation and irritation on the skin. You need to pour a glass of boiling water over the stems, leaves of the pea plant or the peas themselves. Allow to infuse for 5 hours. This remedy should be applied as lotions to inflamed areas of the skin.

For sore teeth

Peas relieve pain in the teeth and are used for bleeding gums. 50 g of dry peas should be poured over 100 ml of olive oil and boil for 30 minutes. After that, the remedy should be strained through gauze. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with the decoction several times a day.

The useful properties of peas for weight loss

Peas are rich in dietary fiber, as well as vitamins and proteins necessary for a healthy diet. It is an ideal product for weight loss, because it is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins.

The benefits of peas for weight loss:

1. Peas are rich in insoluble dietary fiber. In the human body, the fiber is broken down, digested and causes a feeling of fullness. If a person feels satiated, his attention is not fixated on eating something.
2. Peas serve as an excellent source of protein. There are about 5 grams of protein in 100 grams of this bean.
3. Low fat content. Low-fat legumes can be used to make diet meals or to eat as a snack between meals. It won't affect your weight.

What about canned peas? It has some differences from fresh peas. As a rule, after the canning procedure, the level of usefulness decreases significantly. Canned peas contain a large amount of salt, and as we know, it can retain fluid and slow down weight loss. Nevertheless, canned peas are not a strictly forbidden product for people who are trying to lose weight, but are not recommended for consumption during a diet.

Peas in cosmetology

Peas have been used in cosmetology for thousands of years. Even the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans noticed its extraordinary properties. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in peas contributed to their active use in the cosmetic industry.

Peas are an excellent main ingredient in moisturizing face creams and body balms. Pea-based cosmetics are especially valuable for people living in dry climates. Peas can provide the skin with significant amounts of sugars, which increase hydration levels. This reduces the loss of water from the tissues. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which is also very useful for dry skin. It is often used to make all kinds of masks. Facial masks can help get rid of rashes and reduce swelling.

Beans contain trace elements - iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium - which are beneficial to the skin, resulting in increased skin elasticity. Peas contain antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, which prevent the aging of the skin. Vitamin E accelerates the healing process of minor wounds. In turn, vitamin B1, present in it, creates a delicate protective film on the skin, reducing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, wind and low temperatures. Peas also contain ingredients that counteract the negative effects of enzymes on the skin - collagenosis. These enzymes cause the breakdown of key cellular proteins.

What you can make with peas

Pea Patties

Ingredients:

• dried peas - 200 g;
• carrot - 70 g;
• flour - 2 tbsp;
• vegetable oil - 2 tbsp;
• salt, pepper.

How to cook:

1. First you need to prepare the products. The peas should be soaked in water for one night. After that you need to drain the water, wash the peas, preferably several times.
2. Pour 500 ml of water over peas and boil them until they become soft (45-55 minutes if the beans are halved, and up to an hour and a half if they are whole).
3. Grate carrots with a grater, dice onions. Then add two tablespoons of vegetable oil and fry the carrot and onion.
4. Combine cooked peas with fried vegetables.
5. Using a blender, you need to whip it all to a state of puree.
6. Then salt, pepper, add flour and mix the minced peas.
7. Dip your hands in water and form round cutlets. After that, you need to roll the cutlets in flour.
8. After that, you need to put them in a frying pan with already heated oil and begin the process of frying over medium heat.
9. The cutlets need to fry on both sides, until there is a crispy crust.

Vegetable soup with potatoes and peas

Ingredients:

• 1 kg tomatoes;
• 1/2 kg of potatoes;
• 1/2 kg of peas;
• 2 onions;
• 2 carrots;
• 2 liters of vegetable broth;
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil;
• pepper and salt;
• 4 tablespoons of tomato puree.

How to cook:

1. In a saucepan with a little oil, you need to stew finely chopped onion (2 heads). Once it softens, add hot broth (2 liters) and put chopped potatoes (0.5 kg). You also need to dice 2 carrots and add them to the pot.
2. Once the vegetables have softened, add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of tomato paste.
3. The soup should boil for a few minutes. Then add peas (1/2 kg) and spices. The soup should boil until all products are ready. It is served hot. If desired, you can sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.

Pea stew with chicken

Ingredients:

• chicken;
• 800 grams of peas;
• 1 carrot;
• 3 tomatoes;
• 1 onion;
• 1 tablespoon flour;
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil;
• parsley;
• salt.

How to cook:

1. Chicken meat should be cut into pieces and fry in a pan with a little oil (up to 3 tablespoons). Then add to it finely chopped onion (1 head) and carrots (1 piece). When the carrots are soft, add peeled and chopped tomatoes (3 pieces).
2. After that, the products should be placed in a deep bowl and pour hot water. Once the food starts to boil, add the peeled peas (800g), pepper and salt. Cook for about 15 minutes.
3. Mix the flour (1 tbsp) with a few tablespoons of water in a bowl and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes, until thickened.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

Despite the fact that peas contain a lot of useful substances, before using them, you should pay attention to its harmful properties and contraindications.

A certain category of people may suffer from an intolerance to beans because some of them, peas included, contain anti-nutritional substances that tend to interfere with digestion and can interfere with mineral absorption. Although these side effects are quite rare, you still need to be aware of them. Most often these reactions occur in people who rely on legumes as a staple food. If you consume peas in moderation, you will not have problems with this product.

It is worth noting that excessive consumption of beans can lead to calcium leaching from the body. As a result, this can affect the health of bones and joints, as a lack of calcium can lead to weakened bone strength. Also, excessive consumption of peas can contribute to the accumulation of uric acid. Over time, excessive acid buildup can trigger gout. Before including beans in your diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as this product can negatively affect the body.

Peas are not recommended for people who have a very sensitive stomach, suffer from reflux or peptic ulcer disease. People with acute nephritis, gout, high blood clotting and thrombophlebitis are also forbidden to include peas in their diet.

How to choose and store peas

When buying fresh peas, choose small or medium-sized pods, as larger ones are likely to be overripe, which means the peas may be less tender and sweet. Avoid cracked or flaccid pods. A pod with good peas will make a clicking sound when opened. The peas inside should be small, bright green, tender, and sweet.

Try to use the beans immediately after purchase, as they have a fairly short shelf life. Peas should be stored in a cool place, such as the refrigerator, in a plastic box, for up to 4 days.

Interesting facts about peas

Here are some interesting facts about peas.

1. The pea is a plant that has a life cycle of only one year.
2. Green peas were once very popular in North America. Thomas Jefferson, a member of the first American Revolution, grew about 30 varieties of peas on his estate.
3. The earliest archaeological finds of peas date back to the late Neolithic period. Remains of this crop have been found on the territory of modern Greece, Syria, Turkey and Jordan.
4. Peas were cultivated in Georgia 5,000 years before our era. They were also cultivated in Afghanistan in 2000 BC, in Pakistan and in northwest India in 2250 BC.
5. In the first century AD, Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella wrote about how Roman legionaries harvested wild peas from the sandy soils of Numidia and Judea to supplement their rations.
6. Field peas were very popular in the Middle Ages because they were a staple food that curbed hunger.
7. Evidence indicates that people ate peas even during the Bronze Age.
8. There are many varieties of peas that can be grown in northern latitudes without affecting the crop.
9. Some pea varieties have edible pods. In most varieties, however, they are inedible, so they are usually removed before consumption.
10. Peas quickly lose their sweet taste after harvesting. That is why they should be eaten as soon as the pods are removed.
11. Gregor Mendel is the father of modern genetics. He discovered the basic laws of inheritance in the 19th century by crossing peas of different colors, sizes and types of beans.
12. Peas were first frozen in the 1920s.
13. There are rules of etiquette that must be followed when eating peas. According to them, the beans should be crushed with the back of a fork before they are eaten.
14. Until the end of World War II, pea sausage was part of the diet of German soldiers. It was made from meat juice and lard with the addition of pea flour.

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