Green Peas

Green peas, or "garden peas," are the small, spherical seeds that come from pods produced by the Pisum sativum plant.

They have been part of the human diet for hundreds of years and are consumed all over the world.

Strictly speaking, green peas are not vegetables. They are part of the legume family, which consists of plants that produce pods with seeds inside. Lentils, chickpeas, beans and peanuts are also legumes.

However, green peas are commonly cooked and sold as a vegetable and this article will refer to them as such. You can find them in frozen, fresh or canned varieties.

Since green peas are high in complex carbs called starches, they are considered a starchy vegetable along with potatoes, corn and squash.

There are several different varieties of peas available, including yellow peas, black-eyed peas and purple peas. However, green peas are the most frequently consumed.

Snap peas and snow peas are other popular varieties that are often confused with green peas due to their similar appearance. However, their flavor and nutrient content differ slightly.

Benefits:

• They're Filling and an Excellent

Green peas are a very filling food, mostly due to the high amounts of protein and fiber they contain.

• They Support Healthy Blood Sugar Control

Green peas have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber and protein, all of which are important factors for blood sugar control.

• The Fiber in Peas May Benefit Digestion

Green peas are rich in fiber, which benefits digestion by maintaining the flow of waste through your digestive tract and keeping gut bacteria healthy.

• May Be Protective Against Some Chronic Diseases

Green peas have several properties that may help prevent and treat some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

• They Contain Antinutrients

Green peas contain antinutrients that may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients and cause digestive distress. However, this is not a problem for most people.

• They May Cause Bloating

Green peas contain FODMAPs and lectins, which may cause bloating,especially when they are consumed in large amounts.

Serving ways:

• Add to Salad. Add peas to potato salad, pasta salad and chicken or tuna salad.

• Pasta & Peas! Include peas in your Pasta Primavera, or try this delicious Peasy Pasta.

• Liven up a Lifeless Salad. Liven up your mixed green salad with some peas along with other veggies.

• A Tangy Combination. Combine cooked peas, diced onion, and pimento and toss with some poppy seed dressing.

• Stir Fry. Add frozen or canned peas to a stir-fry at the end.

• Use as a Fat Substitute. Substitute mashed peas for half of the avocado in guacamole to decrease the fat content.

• A Perfect Rice Pilaf. Stir peas into cooked rice or barley to make a pilaf.Season with herbs.

• Peas & Almonds. Use green peas to make Peas Almondine: Add sautéed onion and if desired, mushrooms to cooked peas. Saute slivered almonds in a small amount of olive oil until browned and add to veggies.

• Add a Little Color. Brighten up soups, stews and casseroles with colorful peas.

• Quick One-Dish Meal. Need dinner in a hurry? Try this great one-dish meal:Green peas, Potatoes, and Ham