Peas are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, entering the spleen and stomach meridians. They tonify the middle qi, stop diarrhea and dysentery, harmonize ying and wei qi, promote urination, and disperse abscesses and swellings. They are primarily used to treat beriberi, abscesses and swellings, insufficient lactation, spleen-stomach discomfort, hiccups and vomiting, abdominal distension and pain, thirst, and diarrhea with loose stools.
Pea pods are rich in dietary fiber, promoting colon motility and alleviating constipation. Their high-quality protein enhances immunity, disease resistance, and recovery capacity. Peas also exhibit cancer-preventive properties.
Breastfeeding women may consume more peas to increase milk production. However, excessive intake can cause bloating and gas, so limit consumption to about 50 grams daily. Those with urinary stones, skin conditions, or chronic pancreatitis should exercise caution. Diabetics and individuals with poor digestion should avoid them.Nutritional Value of Peas: Fresh peas are highly nutritious, containing 7.2 grams of protein and 80 kilocalories per 100 grams—equivalent to the nutritional value of the same amount of tofu.They are particularly high in B vitamins: Vitamin B1 (0.54mg/100g) is 18 times that of tofu, Vitamin B2 is 2.5 times, and Vitamin PP is 14 times. They also contain significant amounts of carotene, Vitamin C, and inorganic salts.
1. Carotene
Peas are rich in carotene, which helps prevent the synthesis of carcinogens in the body. This reduces the formation of cancer cells, lowers cancer incidence, and plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment.
2. Magnesium and Chlorophyll
Peas also contain significant amounts of magnesium and chlorophyll, which aid in toxin elimination and protect the liver.
3. Trace Elements
Peas contain considerable amounts of trace elements like copper and chromium. Copper supports blood formation and the development of bones and the brain; chromium aids in sugar and fat metabolism and maintains normal insulin function. The choline and methionine in peas also help prevent arteriosclerosis.
4. Vitamin B1
Peas contain substantial amounts of vitamin B1, which helps prevent anxiety disorders and is thus known as the "nerve vitamin."
5. Vitamin C
Pea pods and young pea shoots are rich in vitamin C and enzymes that break down nitrosamines in the body, offering anti-cancer properties.
Recent British research indicates that men who consume two to three servings of peas weekly may reduce their risk of prostate cancer and the spread of carcinoma in situ.
Additionally, vitamin C effectively boosts immunity. During seasonal transitions when colds are common, consuming vitamin C-rich foods helps ward off illnesses.
6. Gibberellic Acid
Unlike most vegetables, peas contain gibberellic acid, gibberellins, and lectins. These compounds exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties while enhancing metabolic function.
Dietary fiber is abundant in snow peas and pea shoots, aiding in constipation prevention and intestinal cleansing.
7. Provitamin A Peas are rich in provitamin A, which converts to vitamin A in the body, promoting skin hydration. Since it's typically obtained through diet, it carries no toxic side effects.
8. High-Quality Protein
Peas are packed with essential nutrients, particularly high-quality protein. This protein boosts the body's disease resistance and recovery capabilities while strengthening immune function.