So, you think adding some green garden peas to a guacamole recipe is a good idea to cut down on the amount of fat?  You’re right; they are a  nutritious filler.  Peas are low in fat and sodium and cholesterol free.  There are only 134 calories in a one cooked cup serving.

Peas have been around for about 10,000 years first discovered in North Africa and Western Asia.  They are an essential food in Chinese medicine due to their “positive, energetic influence” on the body.  Chinese Medicine doctors say that peas are useful in liver health, strengthening the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and help reduce constipation.  There are many benefits to these tiny power foods.  Here are more:

Heart Health: Peas are high in the B’s, 1, through 6 and folate.  These vitamins help reduce homocysteine levels; a risk factor for heart disease.

Wound Healing: its vitamin C supports immune system maintenance and the body’s ability to recover.

Healthy Bones:  Peas are high in vitamin K which helps with calcium retention.

Eye Health: Vitamin A and lutein in peas support vision maintenance.

Blood Sugar Regulation: One cup of peas has 8 grams of fiber. They are a low-glycemic food meaning they slow down digestion.

Stomach Cancer Prevention: A study from Mexico City demonstrated that 2 milligrams of the phytonutrient found in peas help prevent stomach cancer.  One cup of peas has 10 milligrams.

Earth Friendly: Peas draw nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil, eliminating the need for fertilizer.  Once peas are harvested the vines break down and act as compost.  Peas do not need a lot of water for growing.

The peak season for peas is April – May.  Frozen peas are a suitable alternative to fresh as peas begin to rapidly lose their flavor once picked.  Before cooking canned peas, they should be rinsed to help reduce sodium levels.

Be careful! Pea allergies are real.  Generally, if you are allergic to peanuts, you might also be allergic to peas.