Calories in Peas
The pea plant pisum sativum is an annual plant which has a life cycle of one year, and is a cool season crop, which is grown from early winter to the summer season. The plant gets green pods, inside these pods many green peas are contained. There are many varieties of the garden peas, some are eaten with the pods like the snow pea. While some varieties of peas, are grown till the pods become mature and the inside peas are ready. Fresh peas are available during the winter season, however, one can find the canned or frozen peas year round. This was general info on peas, now let us look at the peas calories, peas nutrition facts, health benefits and the ways in which you can cook it.
Calories in Peas
Here is a table describing peas calories according to the pod, raw peas, sprouts and the split peas. The measurement for the amount of calories is 1 cup.
| Peas (1 Cup) | Calories |
| Raw Green Peas | 117 |
| Edible Podded Raw Peas | 41 |
| Frozen Peas | 110 |
| Regular Canned Peas | 117 |
| Boiled Peas | 134 |
| Sprouted Mature Peas Seeds | 154 |
| Split Peas Mature Seeds Raw | 672 |
| Boiled Split Peas | 231 |
Peas Nutritional Value
The peas nutrition facts are displayed in the table below for 145 grams, which is one cup of peas.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Fat | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 7% |
| Vitamin A | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 97% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 12% |
| Thiamin | 26% |
| Riboflavin | 11% |
| Niacin | 15% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 12% |
| Potassium | 10% |
| Phosphorus | 16% |
| Magnesium | 12% |
| Zinc | 12% |
| Copper | 13% |
Health Benefits of Peas
Calories in peas are low, and they are good veggies for people who are aiming at losing weight. They are rich in dietary fiber and good for people having constipation problem. Studies show that green peas can help to reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration and cataracts. Green peas help in slowing down the appearance of glucose in the blood, and thus, help to maintain steady energy levels. They also help in energy production, nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism. Green peas provide important nutrients to the body, that help in maintaining bone health. They are rich in antioxidants, and can help to prevent cancer.
Home Gardening Tips on Peas
Select the variety of peas you want to plant in your vegetable garden. Plant them in a full sun in cooler temperature, or plant them in partial shade. Use organic well drained soil, and plant the peas while the frost is still in the ground. To grow peas, you will need to provide something for them to climb on, like a wooden branch or a metal fence. Maintain cool weather conditions, when growing the peas, sow the seed 1 inch deep in the ground and keep a distance of 6 inches between each seed. Cover the plant with mulch to preserve moisture, and harvest when the pods are young and tender.
Tips on Cooking Peas
There are different ways to cook peas, it is best if you use fresh peas for cooking to get the best of nutrients. If not, you can also use the non-salted frozen or canned green peas. The best way to cook green peas, so most of its nutrients are preserved is to either boil or steam them. You can toss them with butter and spearmint and serve it as a side dish. You can also season the cooked peas with salt and pepper, and have them as a snack. You can also make a pea soup, or use peas while cooking stews. They can be also added to vegetable food recipes, and to fried rice.
This was all about peas. You can grow them at home and enjoy homemade grown peas, or buy the fresh, canned and frozen peas and cook many dishes out of it. Peas calories are low, and hence you can eat a lot of peas, or eat peas when on weight loss.
