Peas: general characteristics
The plant peas, whose scientific name is Pisum sativum, is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. You do not know with certainty its origin and is presumed to come from India, but its cultivation goes back at least 5,000 years ago, although some trace the origin of the pea to Mesopotamia in 3,000 BC And 'certain, however, that in England in the Middle Ages, were the main element in the diet of the poor class, so much so that often the workers and farmers were receiving part of the wages in dried peas.
These beans have a sweet and pleasant taste, due to the abundant presence of sugar but, after drying, are eliminated almost completely instead of focusing.
Cultivation of peas is done all over the world and especially in Asian countries.
The collection is intended for fresh consumption occurs from April-May until the end of June, depending on the variety. Instead, the collection of peas for drying is performed when the pod is not completely dry, to avoid that during the harvesting the grains fall out and be dispersed.
Among the major producers of peas are China, India and Russia but the world's largest producer is Canada, which annually produces 3 million tons. Of the world's production of peas only 5% is sold fresh, the rest is sold frozen or canned.
Peas: properties and benefits
Less starchy than other legumes, peas many properties including:
- anti-coagulating properties: thanks to the presence of folic acid and vitamin B6 peas are beneficial to the cardiovascular and keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Consume these vegetables frequently helps prevent the formation of blood clots in the arteries and away the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- satiating properties: peas, once they slowly release sugar into the blood, promote a greater sense of satiety for longer and become an ideal food for those who want to lose a few extra pounds. Also low in fat and low in calories and are therefore suitable for low-calorie and low fat diets.
- digestive properties: these legumes are also a good source of insoluble fiber, which is why their consumption promotes digestion and expulsion of faeces, thus preventing constipation. Instead, the soluble fiber combined with water form a sort of gel, which decreases the absorption of cholesterol LDL and fats from the blood.
- anticancer properties: one carried out research in Mexico City has allowed to state that the presence of coumestrol, a particular polyphenol, helps prevent stomach cancer. For a preventive effect it is good to take 2 milligrams of this polyphenol a day.
- Antioxidant properties: the peas also contain a good amount of substances with antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory. In fact, they contain flavonoids, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, polyphenols, vitamin C and vitamin E and a good amount of zinc. The prevention benefits are, besides against cancer, also towards degenerative diseases.
Rich in vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B6 peas bring numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system. They also contain a lot of potassium which is good for the muscles and the high percentage of chlorophyll present stimulate the body to produce red blood cells and thus helps the immune system. In addition to these features the peas are beneficial to:
- Digestive System: thanks to small starch concentration peas are very digestible. The peel cleans very well the digestive system and allows the intestines to function better.
- Cholesterol: from recent recent studies showed that the consumption of peas helps to keep down the bad LDL cholesterol in the blood and also promotes good blood glucose control. Chlorophyll in fact stimulates the body in the production of red blood cells and helps the immune system.
- Diabetes: peas help to stabilize blood glucose bringing benefits for those who risk diabetes. If diabetes is already present, it is however advisable not to consume them because of the high concentration of sugars, even if it comes to simple sugars.
- Disorders related to menopause: the peas contain phytoestrogens can alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
- Bones: the peas have a high concentration of iron and phosphorous are able to fix the calcium and dietary nerve cells.
- Flatulence: peas are legumes suitable for those individuals suffering from flatulence and colitis problems.
- nervous system: vitamins B, B1 and B3 in particular ensure the proper functioning of the nervous system, while the presence of folate in the body which then will be converted into vitamin B9, prevents depression and bad mood.
- Pregnant women: the presence of folate peas makes them a food also useful for pregnant women. In fact, these substances prevent neural tube defects in unborn children. The peas are also indicated during breast-feeding because they contain minerals, proteins and vitamins necessary for the proper development of children. They are also excellent as food for seniors, suitable for the good amount of magnesium required for protein synthesis.
Peas: nutritional values and calories
Each 100 grams of fresh peas it has a caloric yield equal to 80 calories.
For every 100 g of this product, we have:
79.4 g water
Carbohydrates 6.5 g
Sugars 4 g
Protein 5.5 g
Fat 0.6 g
Cholesterol 0 g
Total fiber 6.3 g
Sodium 1 mg
Potassium 193 mg
Iron 1.7 mg
Calcium 45 mg
Phosphorus 97 mg
Vitamin B1 0.2 mg
Vitamin B2 0.08 mg
Vitamin B3 2.6 mg
Vitamin A 64 micrograms
Vitamin C 32 mg
Peas: all uses
The peas are widely used in the kitchen and you can buy fresh or dried, but also frozen or pre-cooked pot. If you decide to buy fresh peas it is good must be careful to peel: this, in fact, should be bright and crisp and not yellowed. And 'advisable to buy peas not large because it sweeter and more tender. Once purchased can be stored in the fridge a few days and should be peeled only when used.
The peas are used in many recipes, they can be consumed both fresh and dried, are very versatile and combine with barley, rice, barley and other cereals, but they are also great as a side dish to main courses of fish or meat. Moreover, they can also be used to make meatballs or casseroles.
The peas are also used in cosmetics, where they are used for the preparation of masks for the skin firming and toning effect.
Peas: contraindications and side effects
Although many properties and benefits, even the peas have some drawbacks: in fact, are a source of purines and therefore are not recommended for hyperuricaemic and for sufferers of gout.
And 'deprecated, however the consumption of raw peas since these legumes contain antidigestivi factors, which, however, destroy during cooking.
