There are many types of peas, each with its own nutritional value, but generally speaking, peas are an excellent source of plant protein.
Peas have been a key ingredient in cooking and food preparation for thousands of years. They are nutritious, versatile, and healthy. Common types include green peas, snow peas, and black-eyed peas.
As well as being a good source of protein, peas may be beneficial for heart and gut health, and they are a good blood sugar stabilizer.
Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits and nutrition details of different types of peas, as well as some cooking ideas.
The following nutritional data assumes 1 cup of mature peas rather than an immature pod of peas. Nutrition data for immature peas in pods may differ. Mature peas are simply those that have been growing longer, though the exact time frame for when an immature pea becomes mature depends on the variety.
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Green peas are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, and magnesium.
They are also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, and manganese.
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Sugar snap peas are also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt and are a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a very good source of vitamins A, C, K, thiamin, and iron.
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Mature black-eyed peas are low in salt, fat, and cholesterol and are a good source of protein, thiamin, iron, and magnesium. They are also a quality source of fiber, folate, and manganese.
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As well as being low in saturated fat, carbohydrates, salt, and natural sugars, pigeon peas are a good source of protein and copper and a high quality source of fiber, folate, and manganese.
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Chickpeas are very low in cholesterol and low in saturated fat and salt. They are a good source of fiber, protein, and copper and a very good source of folate and manganese.
Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried peas contain many nutritional benefits. Most varieties are low in calories, saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, making them a good option as a side dish or the star ingredient in the main meal.
Peas are a
Peas are also high in nonheme iron, which is commonly found in animal flesh. This means peas can be a great alternative source of iron, helping the body to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.
Peas have a
All types of peas are rich in dietary fiber, which can improve gut health by making stools softer and easier to pass. The USDA recommends a daily intake of around 25 g of dietary fiber for women and 38 g of fiber for men. Currently, Americans are only averaging around half of this daily intake.
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Peas are a
People who eat lots of vegetables, including peas, are at lower risk of cardiovascular problems. Peas are good sources of dietary fiber, plant protein, and potassium, all of which contribute to
The low calorie, low fat nutritional profile of peas also makes them a promising food to help lower obesity, further reducing the risk of heart disease.
Steaming peas, or eating them raw, may be the best way to retain their nutritional benefits. People can eat garden peas raw straight from the pod or lightly steam or boil them before eating.
Other varieties, such as black-eyed peas, cannot be eaten raw. Typically, a person would purchase black-eyed peas dried, frozen, or canned and precooked.
Sugar snap peas are also delicious raw, and people can eat the entire thing, including the pod.
Canned peas are usually ready to eat once drained and rinsed, but people can also add them to stews and soups — ideally toward the end of the cooking process, so as not to overcook them.
Below are a few simple recipes for people to enjoy more peas in their everyday diet:
Peas have a range of nutritional benefits, which include protecting heart and gut health and reducing the risk of cancer. They are also a good alternative source of protein and iron, especially in a plant-based diet.
There are several types of peas that people can easily incorporate into their diet. People can eat peas raw or cooked in soups, stews, or salads, depending on the variety.
Last medically reviewed on January 18, 2022
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