Pea (Latin pisum) is a herbaceous plant of the legume family. It is a climbing and creeping plant with thin tendrils, white-pink flowers and green pod-like fruits with edible seeds. Many varieties of peas are known – sowing, peeling, sugar, brain. The most famous and widespread culture is the sowing pea. It has been cultivated since ancient times; there is an opinion that the petrified seeds were among the ruins dated to the Bronze Age. And the very first mentions are recorded in India.

Composition of peas
Pea is a valuable leguminous crop, it is the richest source of protein containing essential amino acids. Due to its chemical composition, it can be used as a complete replacement for meat, which is very important for vegetarians. It is perfectly digested and absorbed, while it is a nutritious product with a fairly high calorie content – 314 kcal.

Peas contain a lot of starch, vegetable oils, fiber, useful enzymes, dietary fiber, saturated fatty acids, many vitamins and minerals, including quite rare ones. Vitamins E, A, PP and B, folic acid, vitamin H, which is also called the beauty vitamin. Rich mineral composition: calcium, tin, chlorine, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, selenium, phosphorus, chromium, fluorine, boron, strontium, titanium, nickel and cobalt and others. Some varieties contain natural sugars, including fructose, which stimulates brain activity, improves memory and is a prophylactic against spasms of cerebral vessels.

Beneficial features
Regular consumption of peas contributes to the good functioning of the digestive tract, reduces the acidity of the body, helps with heartburn. It contains many antioxidants that protect against the harmful effects of free radicals and slow down the aging process. The use of peas in food reduces the risk of cancer, promotes wound healing, and has a regenerating effect.

Since ancient times, it has been considered a product that must be consumed during difficult Christian fasts due to its high calorie content, energy intensity and nutritional value. Peas allow you to do without protein products of animal origin for a long time without harming the body.

In cooking from peas they prepare soups and cereals, make noodles and dumplings, and also eat them fresh as a useful vitamin supplement to the diet. Canned green peas are an excellent cold appetizer and a great addition to various dishes.