Peas
Peas
Pea or Matar is an edible green seed with various medicinal properties. Green peas are one of the best plant-based sources of protein that also contains a good amount of antioxidants and fiber. Peas can be frozen at home for a long period of time. Frozen peas retain more vitamin C as well as other essential nutrients.
Peas helps in weight loss due to the presence of fiber that promotes a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating. Raw Peas are also used as an appetizer which helps provide relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also helps manage the level of blood sugar due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties and thus reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Peas are also beneficial for good heart health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It should be noted that excessive consumption of Peas might cause bloating in some people[2][3][7].
Peas helps in weight loss due to the presence of fiber that promotes a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating. Raw Peas are also used as an appetizer which helps provide relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also helps manage the level of blood sugar due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties and thus reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Peas are also beneficial for good heart health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It should be noted that excessive consumption of Peas might cause bloating in some people[2][3][7].
What are the synonyms of Peas?
Pisum Sativum, Kalaayh, Nalk, Tilak, Matar, Vatane chana, Vatani, Patana, Vatana, Gundusanghelu, Patanilu, Patani, Kerau, Baramattar, Khanda, Watana, Pathani katala, Pattani payer, English Pea, Green Pea, Khalaj, Hubbul bakar, Hummus, Jalban, Kansag[1].
What is the source of Peas?
Plant Based
Benefits of Peas
1. Constipation
Peas help to manage constipation when it is taken after boiling in water. Constipation is mainly due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. Peas increase bulk in the stool and its high fiber content improves the bowel movement. Peas are also Rechana (laxative) in nature. Together, it helps control constipation.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
2. Loss of appetite
Peas help to improve appetite when it is made a part of daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Peas stimulate digestion and improve appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
3. Weight loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in medha dhatu. Peas help to improve digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. This reduces Ama and controls weight. It also corrects the imbalance of medha dhatu because of its Kapha balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
Peas help to manage constipation when it is taken after boiling in water. Constipation is mainly due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. Peas increase bulk in the stool and its high fiber content improves the bowel movement. Peas are also Rechana (laxative) in nature. Together, it helps control constipation.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
2. Loss of appetite
Peas help to improve appetite when it is made a part of daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Peas stimulate digestion and improve appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
3. Weight loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in medha dhatu. Peas help to improve digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. This reduces Ama and controls weight. It also corrects the imbalance of medha dhatu because of its Kapha balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 cup Peas and boil in twice the amount of water.
b. Drain the water and let it cool.
c. You can eat the boil Peas by adding little salt and pepper or use to make any dish.
Precautions when using Peas
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is advisable to consume Peas with doctor’s consultation during pregnancy. This is because some studies state that Peas might exhibit a contraceptive effect during pregnancy[6].
How to use Peas
1. Boiled peas
a. Take ¼-½ cup of shelled Peas (or as per your requirement).
b. Add water so that the Peas are fully submerged.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Drain the water and use the boiled Peas in soups, salads or along with other boiled vegetables.
2. Mushy peas
a. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
b. Add frozen Peas to it.
c. Let it cook for 3 minutes, or until tender.
d. Drain Peas, and transfer to a blender.
e. Add cream, butter, salt and pepper to the blender.
f. Blend till a mushy consistency is achieved.
g. You can have it as a side dish.
a. Take ¼-½ cup of shelled Peas (or as per your requirement).
b. Add water so that the Peas are fully submerged.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Drain the water and use the boiled Peas in soups, salads or along with other boiled vegetables.
2. Mushy peas
a. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
b. Add frozen Peas to it.
c. Let it cook for 3 minutes, or until tender.
d. Drain Peas, and transfer to a blender.
e. Add cream, butter, salt and pepper to the blender.
f. Blend till a mushy consistency is achieved.
g. You can have it as a side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Peas are rich in phytonutrients such as flavanols, phenolic acids and carotenoids. They also contain saponins, polyphenols along with many essential vitamins (K and B1) and minerals (manganese, copper and phosphorus).
Modern Science View
Yes, dried Peas are good for you. They are highly nutritious as they contain dietary fibre, vitamins and proteins that may help in lowering cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Dried Peas also contain certain phytonutrients that have estrogenic effect. It may be useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. It is also useful in managing constipation and lowering blood pressure.
Modern Science View
There are different varieties of Peas. Some common types include:
1. Garden Peas: They have an inedible pod and the Peas must be removed from the pod before consuming.
2. Snow Peas (also known as Sugar Peas): They have a flat pod with very tiny Peas inside that can be consumed cooked or raw.
3. Snap Peas: They have round plump edible pods with sweet Peas.
1. Garden Peas: They have an inedible pod and the Peas must be removed from the pod before consuming.
2. Snow Peas (also known as Sugar Peas): They have a flat pod with very tiny Peas inside that can be consumed cooked or raw.
3. Snap Peas: They have round plump edible pods with sweet Peas.
Modern Science View
There is not a lot of difference in the nutritional profile of frozen and fresh Peas. Fresh Peas contain more vitamin B than frozen Peas. Additionally, frozen Peas may be slightly better than canned peas are they are able to better retain their flavour, texture and colour[9].
Modern Science View
There is only one calorie in 1 gram of green peas.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pea is beneficial in managing diabetes. Pea is a rich source of alpha lipoic acid. It increases the glucose uptake in the body. Due to its good antioxidant property Pea prevents the damage of the pancreatic beta cells and reduces the risk of diabetic complications[8].
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Peas do not cause any stomach related problems. But if it is taken in excess quantity it may cause constipation. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Grahi (absorbent) properties.
Modern Science View
Dried Peas contain certain types of sugar that may not get digested in the intestines. They get fermented by the intestinal bacteria and lead to the production of gas. This may cause flatulence and digestive issues[4][5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pea might help in weight loss. Pea is a rich source of fiber and protein. Pea, when consumed with a low calorie diet stimulates the energy production. These dietary and metabolic changes might help in weight loss[9][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pea is good for the heart. Pea is a rich source of fiber. It helps to lower blood pressure. Pea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent lipid peroxidation and damage of the blood vessels[9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pea is good for constipation. Pea is a rich source of fiber that might improve the bowel movement and relieve constipation. Pea also helps in the growth of intestinal bacteria. This helps to improve intestinal health[9].
Modern Science View
Raw peas consist of phytochemicals, protein, fiber, starch, essential vitamins and minerals (selenium and folate) that help manage gastrointestinal functions like digestion. Furthermore, peas prevents the damage of the pancreatic cells due to its antioxidant property and thereby reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Raw peas are also found to be effective in reducing high cholesterol, inflammation, diabetes, fungal and bacterial infections[3][10].
Ayurvedic View
Raw peas help to manage the condition of constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property. It also helps to manage some digestion related problems like anorexia due to its Laghu (light) and Madhur (sweet) properties.
Modern Science View
Snow peas, a low-calorie food ingredient with only 42 calories per 100g, is very beneficial for health. It contains various vitamin constituents such as vitamin A, iron and minerals. It also supplies the required amounts of thiamine and folate to the body which might play an important role in healthy heart functioning[11].
Modern Science View
Consuming Black-eyed peas have many impressive health benefits. It helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and also helps to reduce bad cholesterol or LDL (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Therefore black-eyed beans should be included in diet especially in individuals suffering from high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease (CHD)[12].
Modern Science View
Face masks prepared from crushed green Peas can be used in the management of acne and wrinkles due to the presence of certain constituents like protein and lecithin in them. These constituents are also effective against various skin related issues such as dermatitis or skin inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[13].
Ayurvedic View
Green peas are beneficial for the prevention of skin problems like acne or wrinkles which occur due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha due to its Kashaya (astringent), Sita (cold) and Pitta balancing properties. It prevents the skin inflammation and provides a cooling effect with a natural glow.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Matar.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Zilani NHM, Sulatana T, Rahman AMS, et al. Chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Pisum sativum.BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2017;17(171):1-9.
- Dahl WJ, Foster LM, Tyler RT. Review of the health benefits of peas (Pisum sativum L.). Br J Nutr. 2012;108(1):S3-10.
- Singh B, Singh JP, Shevkani K et al.Bioactive constituents in pulses and their health benefits.J Food Sci Technol.2016;54(4):858-870.
- Huisman J, Jansman AJM.Dietary effects and some analytical aspects of antinutritional factors in Peas (Pisum sativum), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soyabeans (Glycine max L.) in monogastric farm animals.A literature review.Nutr Abstr Rev Ser B.1991;61:901–921.
- Sanyal SN.Pisum sativum (Linn.): m-xylohydroquinone as an oral contraceptive a critical evaluation.Eur J Endocrinol.1956;23(4):S72-S82.
- Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira JT.Antinutritional properties of plant lectins.Toxicon.2004;44(4):385-403.
- Golbidi S, Badran M, Laher I.Diabetes and alpha lipoic acid. Frontiers in Pharmacology.2011;2(69).
- Favell DJ. A comparison of the Vitamin C content of fresh and frozen vegetables. Food Chemistry. 1998;62(1):59-64.
- Rungruangmaitree R, Jiraungkoorskul W. Pea, Pisum sativum, and Its Anticancer Activity. Pharmacogn Rev. 2017;11(21):39-42.
- Hedges LJ, Lister CE. The nutritional attributes of legumes. Crops and food research confidential report no. 1745.Horticulture New Zealand. 2006.
- Winham DM, Hutchins AM, Johnston CS. Pinto bean consumption reduces biomarkers for heart disease risk. J Am Coll Nutr.2007;26(3):243-9.
- Aburjai T, Natsheh FM.Plants Used in Cosmetics. Phytotherapy research.2003;17(9):987-1000.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.