Pod fruit of Pisum sativum

  • 07 Oct - 13 Oct, 2017
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Cookery



Nutritional Profile

Peas provide 81 calories per 100gm; 0.4g fat, 5g of protein, 5mg of sodium, 244mg potassium and 14g of carbohydrates.

Interesting facts

· The word ‘pea’ is believed to take its etymology from the Latin ‘pisum’ which came from the Greek ‘pison’. When it was initially adopted in English, the vegetable was called pease, as in pease pudding. This was shortened to pea later due to people incorrectly confusing the 'se' ending in pease as the 's' in plurals.

· The earliest pea is thought to have dated back to 4,800BC to 4,400BC in the Nile Delta area. Early peas have also been discovered in upper Egypt around 3,800BC to 3,600BC – some of which were discovered in Egyptian tombs. This has led archeologists to suggest the pea originally came from the near east countries like Turkey, Jordan and Syria with the vegetable's popularity spreading from there.

· Pea leaves are considered a delicacy in China.

· Only five per cent of peas grown are sold fresh. Most are either frozen or canned.

· In the mid-19th century, Austrian scientist Gregor Mendel observed the pea pod leading him to create his principle of Mendelian genetics, the foundation of modern genetics.

Health facts

· Peas are said to give relief to ulcer pains in the stomach because they help 'use up' stomach acids.

· A 100-calorie serving of peas (three quarters of a cup) contains more protein than a whole egg or tablespoon of peanut butter.

· The many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in peas support healthy blood vessels. The formation of plaque along our blood vessel walls starts with chronic, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. The generous amounts of vitamin B1 and folate, B2, B3, and B6 in peas reduce homocysteine levels which are risk factor for heart disease.

· The high fiber content in peas improves bowel health and peristalsis.

· Just one cup of peas contain 44% of your Vitamin K which helps to anchor calcium inside the bones. It’s B vitamins also help to prevent osteoporosis.

Study

Peas contain high amounts of a health-protective polyphenol called coumestrol. A study in Mexico City determined you only need 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient to prevent stomach cancer. A cup of peas has at least 10.

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