The pea plant, which produces the delicious and nutritious vegetable called peas in spring and summer, is from the Legume family. The pea plant, whose homeland is unknown, has been cultivated in Eurasia since ancient times. Today, it is grown abundantly in Turkey, as in many parts of the world.
There are many varieties of this annual herbaceous plant called garden pea (P. sativum): Some of them are dwarf and grow up to 30-40 cm tall, spreading and covering the ground with their green leaves. Another variety called pole pea is a climbing plant that clings to anything it finds with the tendrils it produces from its stem. These need to be supported with stakes. Only the grains of some pea varieties are edible. However, some pea varieties do not have the hard layer called parchment on their peduncles.
This type of peas, called sultana peas, is eaten with its shell. Another important variety is the large-grained araka pea. Pea pods are enjoyed fresh and eaten in many different dishes, but they are also very suitable for drying, freezing, and canning and storing for future consumption. Dried peas are used to make flour, delicious pea soup, and some other dishes. There are also fodder pea varieties grown solely for animal feed.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 g. raw (uncooked) fresh peas can be listed as follows: 84 calories; 6.3 g. protein; 14.4 g. carbohydrates; 0 cholesterol; 0.4 g. fat; 2 g. fiber; 116 mg. phosphorus; 26 mg. calcium; 1.9 mg. iron: 2 mg. sodium; 316 mg. potassium; 35 mg. magnesium; 640 IU vitamin A; 0.35 mg. vitamin B1; 0.14 mg. vitamin B2; 2.9 mg. vitamin B3: 0.16 mg. vitamin B6; 35.5 mcg. folic acid; 27 mg. vitamin C and 2.1 mg. vitamin E.
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
As can be seen above, peas are a very important food type with their significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin A. In addition;
Because it contains a large amount of various easily soluble fiber substances, peas have a lowering effect on the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and also reduce the risk of heart attack.
o Again, this high amount of fiber stays in the stomach for a long time: Thus, it regulates the increases and decreases in the blood sugar level and keeps the body's energy level constant.
Peas, which contain high levels of vitamin B1, also regulate sleep. It stimulates the appetite and improves the mood of the person, making them cheerful.
o Studies have shown that consuming peas reduces the risk of cancer in animals: The same effect is also being studied in humans.
o It has been determined by research results that acute appendicitis is very rare in people who consume a lot of peas.
o Peas contain some contraceptive substances: These substances have effects that will help population planning on both women and men.
In order to benefit from these important medical effects, it is sufficient to eat plenty of peas.
