Peas
Peas
Pea or Matar is an edible green color seed with various medicinal properties. Green Peas are one of the best plant-based sources of protein which makes it filling. Traditionally, these seeds are used as an appetizer with laxative properties. Pea has antioxidant, antimicrobial and blood sugar lowering properties. Peas also help to manage wrinkled skin and acne. However, consumption of Peas in excess might cause bloating in some people, so it is advisable to eat Peas in a limited amount[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.
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].
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.
- Wendy JD, Lauren MF, Robert TT, et al. Review of the health benefits of Peas (Pisum sativum L.).Br J Nutr.2012;108(1):S3–S10.
- 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).
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.