Legumes are incredibly beneficial for the body due to the content of B vitamins. Regular consumption of these foods improves brain function. Young pea pods are especially popular among adults and children. In this review, we will talk about the benefits of legumes and what harm they can do to human health.
Description and characteristics of green peas
Peas were cultivated in ancient times; the South-West of Asia is considered the birthplace of culture. The plant belongs to the herbaceous genus, united by the legume family. The stem can be straight and curly, reaching a height of 2.5 m. The leaves are slightly feathery, with whiskers forming at their ends, which cling to other plants or fences as the length of the stem increases.
During the flowering period, the bush of the standard / lying type is covered with white or purple moth-type flowers with a characteristic corolla. It blooms in 30-55 days after sowing. For the formation of fruits, insect pollination is not required, except that in unfavorable weather, the stalks are periodically shaken as an aid to the inflorescences.
Fruits are placed in beans (pods) in 4-10 pieces. They come in different shapes, colors and sizes, depending on the variety. The skin color matches the color of the flowers.
Peas are cold-resistant vegetable crops. These qualities are especially manifested in varieties with round seeds that have a smooth surface. Only the emerging seedlings can withstand the temperature of -6 ° C, this makes it possible to start sowing in early spring.
Why are peas among the highest plants? Belonging to higher seed plants is due to the presence of organs (root, shoot, stem, leaf, etc.), tissues, two successive life phases (gametophyte and sporophyte).
Plant root system
The root of the seed pea is of a rod type, has weak branches, but penetrates deep into the ground (about 1 m). Nodule bacteria settle on the roots, providing the plant with nitrogen. Without a microorganism, legumes cannot assimilate the beneficial substance, as a result of which nitrogen starvation is observed. Deep penetration of the root stem is accompanied by the extraction of various nutrient components from the soil, in particular, hardly soluble, for example, phosphorus.
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, so it is often recommended to plant other popular vegetable crops after legumes.
How and where does it grow?
It is a plant of temperate latitudes, it responds well to a long day. Where to grow legumes?You need to plant seeds in well-lit areas. In places with shading, it develops weakly, sometimes dies. It is also not recommended to organize beds on soils with a high level of water occurrence.
The plant is grown in a seedless way, the seeds are soaked before sowing to stimulate growth. Work begins in the middle or end of April, night frosts are not terrible for young shoots. Disembarkation scheme: rows are formed at intervals of 15-20 cm, between plants in a row - 5-6 cm.
Composition and calorie content
Due to the composition rich in vitamins and microelements, peas are included in medical and dietary diets. It enriches the body with valuable substances:
- carotene;
- vitamins of group B, C, PP;
- potassium;
- manganese;
- phosphorus;
- iron.
Bean fruits contain a unique amino acid - lysine.
Pea fruits are nutritious, their protein content is the same as in beef, but it is absorbed by the body much easier.
The benefits and harms of the fetus for the human body
Doctors and nutritionists have deduced the main valuable properties of peas, which have a positive effect on the body.
- Green fruits do an excellent job with puffiness, arising against the background of impaired renal function.
- Eating young peas helps lowering cholesterol levels, which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
- The product is recommended for prevention of cancer.
- Copes with removing excess fluid from the body.
- Turkish variety Chickpea is shown in complex therapy in the treatment of vision.
- Beans eliminate the consequences of anemia thanks to the iodine content.
- For constipation nutritionists recommend including pea dishes in the menu.
- Ideal ingredient in skin masks... It cleans it well, nourishes it with useful trace elements, removes puffiness, rejuvenates.
Among the folk recipes for heartburn, the option using several peas deserves attention.
For men
It is rich in protein, therefore it is included in the diet and as an ingredient in sports nutrition for muscle building... Bodybuilders and those who regularly visit fitness clubs are familiar with this product firsthand. Pea dishes have nutritional value and you can get enough of them. Protein will tone your muscles and make strength training easier due to increased endurance.
For women
The composition contains many useful substances, but folic acid is of particular value for any woman. It normalizes the work of female organs, takes a direct part in the most important periods - pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, acid slows down the aging of cells and tissues, therefore it is considered a popular component in cosmetology.
For children
Often mothers are faced with the problem of lack of appetite in children. Peas will help to resolve the issue, it awakens the feeling of hunger, saturates the growing body with useful vitamins and minerals, gives strength and energy. A good option to organize your child's breakfast with this healthy ingredient.
Contraindications for use
It is recommended to limit consumption or completely abandon peas for people suffering from the following diseases:
- jade (in acute form);
- gout;
- cholecystitis;
- with circulatory disorders;
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Allergy sufferers should first consult a doctor for the possibility of eating pea dishes. Often there are cases of a negative reaction of the body to this product, the symptoms begin with indigestion, after which the temperature rises. Among the complications: Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock. The severity of the consequences does not justify the desire of allergy sufferers to feast on sweet peas.
The amount of beans consumed should be normalized, otherwise a digestive system disorder may occur. This rule primarily applies to people of mature age and children.
Pea recipes
The beauty industry uses the health benefits of peas for a variety of treatments. Masks, lotions and other care products are prepared from the product. This ingredient is also present in diet meals. Here are examples of several effective recipes.
Rejuvenating mask
Peas (2.5 tbsp. L.) Rinse thoroughly and dry, then grind in a coffee grinder. Add a few tablespoons of warm water to the resulting powder and mix the mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt to the product. The action time on the face and décolleté area is 17-20 minutes.
Blackhead mask (ideal for teens and girls)
Add 60-80 ml of whey to a bowl with chopped peas (2-3 tablespoons). After mixing thoroughly, apply the composition to the skin and leave for 20 minutes.
Thyroid smoothie
The cooking process consists in grinding all components in a blender. Drink the smoothie as a cocktail 2-3 times a week. Among the ingredients:
- half a glass of green peas (not canned);
- avocado (1 pc.);
- carrots (1 pc.);
- cucumber (2 medium fruits or 1 large);
- celery (1 stem);
- 100 g greens (basil, parsley, dill, mint);
- 150 ml of natural yoghurt.
Peas are undoubtedly a healthy product. Gardeners get no less pleasure growing it on their plots. The plant is unpretentious and almost always gives the owners a generous harvest.