The most convenient vegetable in my humble opinion is the PEA.
Packed with nutrition, whether fresh or frozen, this little vegetable can be stored for months and cooked in minutes. Sweet in taste, quick in prep time, hard to beat.
Garden peas are generally available from spring through the beginning of winter. Legumes are plants that bear fruit in the form of pods enclosing the fleshy seeds we know as beans.
High in vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C, fiber, B-1, folate, vitamin A and the list goes on.
Health benefits of Peas:
Peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health.
Good source of folic acid and vitamin B-6.
These two nutrients help to reduce the buildup of a metabolic byproduct called homocysteine. Homocysteine is a dangerous molecule that can obstruct collagen cross-linking, resulting in poor bone matrix and osteoporosis.
Homocysteine also contributes to atherosclerosis through its ability to damage the blood vessels, keeping them in a constant state of injury. Therefore the folic acid and vitamin B6 in green peas supports of cardiovascular health.
In fact, folic acid is so important for cardiovascular function that a major 1995 study concluded that 400 micrograms per day of folic acid could prevent 28,000 cardiovascular deaths per year in the United States.
The vitamin K in green peas is essential to maintaining the blood clotting mechanism.
Very good source of thiamine-vitamin B1 and a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin-vitamin B-2 and niacin-vitamin B3 which are nutrients that are necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism.
Green peas are also a good source of iron, a mineral necessary for normal blood cell formation and function, whose deficiency results in anemia, fatigue, decreased immune function, and learning problems.
In addition, green peas are a very good source of vitamin C which protects many energy-producing cells and systems in the body from free radical damage. Body tissues with particularly high vitamin C requirements include the adrenal glands, ocular lens, liver, immune system, connective tissues, and fats circulating in the blood.
In short, green peas are one of the most important foods to have in your weekly diet and if you are not consuming them, get on the green wagon!
Quick Ways to Consume Peas:
- Add to green salads.
- Sauté snap peas with shiitake (or your favorite) mushrooms.
- Make a delicious and colorful chicken salad with green peas, diced onions and red pepper.
- Mix snow peas in with your favorite vegetable.
- Fresh pea pods are a quick great snack and could be included in snack lunches or as an alternative to fries.
- Frozen peas are easy to add to any cooked dish.
- My Dad’s favorite, green peas with butter, sea salt and pepper, the best!
Organically Yours,
Renay
www.organeefoodcoach.com
Wow, the green peas with butter sea salt and pepper sound amazing! I'm a big fan of frozen vegetables, so I think I'll be buying peas the next time I go to the supermarket.
I also luuuurrrve edamame.
You inspired me to go get some edamame today, it will be Connors first tasting!
XO
Renay
http://www.organicspaces.blogspot.com
Thank you for the information and inspiration, Renay! I had to stop in mid blog and go heat some peas
By the way. Someone once told me that using a microwave owen destroys the nutritional value in foods. Is this true?
Peas
Sara
I will make sure to start buying more peas. Always liked them but didn't know their full potential Thanks.
Love and Peace
Tom
Thanks Tom
XOXO
Organically Yours,
Renay Matthews
http://www.organicspaces.blogspot.com