Yes, green peas are a good source of minerals. Green peas are a rich source of essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium, which help the body maintain different bodily functions. They also contain many trace minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy, including iron, calcium, potassium and manganese. Green peas are high in copper, which helps with red blood cell formation, energy production and immunity for both adults and children alike. In addition, green peas provide B-vitamins that help convert nutrients into energy and aid nerve function. Lastly, green peas are a very good source of dietary fiber and protein. All these vitamins and minerals help keep your bones and teeth strong, boost immunity, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels and promote overall health.
The nutrition value of green peas (Pisum sativum) is undeniable; they are low in fat, high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and minerals. Minerals obtained from eating green peas are abundant and essential for healthy physiological functioning. This paper will discuss the various minerals obtained through consumption of green peas and their role in one’s health.
One major mineral found in green peas is iron. Green peas contain approximately 2.98 mg of iron per 100 g serving, or 16% of the recommended daily value. Iron plays an important role in oxygen transport throughout the body - it acts as a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin inside red blood cells and muscle tissue respectively. Ensuring adequate levels of iron is therefore a very important part of maintaining overall physical health, especially because lack of appropriate amounts of this mineral can lead to development of anemia1. Additionally, iron may be associated with increased immune response2. As an ore responsible for producing energy and promoting cognitive motor skills3, incorporating sufficient amounts of iron into the diet is crucial when aiming for a balanced nutritional profile.
Zinc is yet another mineral that can be plentiful in green peas. Like iron, commercial-grade fresh peas have been found to offer 15.17 mg zinc/100 g, which corresponds to 7.16% of the recommended daily value4. Zinc is involved in nearly every aspect of cell activity within the body5. It has a variety of roles, but is most commonly known for its influence on enzyme production and gene expression. Additionally, zinc helps regulate metabolic processes such as digestion, fatty acid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, insulin secretion, and amino acid metabolism6. Notably, dietary consumption of sufficient amounts of zinc can enhance wound healing7, reduce risk of infection8, and even assist in the prevention or treatment of cancer9.
Copper is also naturally occurring in green peas. On average, dried peas can yield 0.60 mg copper/100 g10, or 32% of the recommended daily value11. Considering sources other than green peas however, studies indicate that adults tend to have intake values lower than what is suggested12. Copper is essential for a wide range of bodily functions, mostly pertaining to neurodegenerative processes13. It helps form certain enzymes needed for endocrine system regulation14 and iron transport15, eventually allowing proteins to interact as they should and modify cellular operations accordingly. Furthermore, copper performs vital steps in DNA formation, RNA production, and protection against oxidative damage16, ultimately making it necessary for normal cell reproduction, neurotransmission, and cardiac function17.
The protein content of green peas needs no introduction, and relevant minerals made available by those proteins deserve just review. For example, phosphorus accounts for 122 mg phosphorus/100 g18 supplied primarily by pea proteins19. Phosphorus serves many purposes – it aids in conversion of carbohydrates and fats into energy, transports nutrients across cell walls, maintains an appropriate pH balance, and forms bones and teeth20. In addition, magnesium also contributes to 92 mg/100 g21 , largely due to the present proteins22. Magnesium assists calcium absorption23 and preserves nerve transmission24, while helping control several biological processes like muscular contraction25 and adrenaline release26. Moreover, selenium makes up 0.39 ?g/100g27 – again partially attributed to the inherent proteins28. Selenium boosts immunity29, prevents tumor proliferation30, restrains heavy metal toxicity31, and supports fertility and postmenopausal health32.
While there are numerous vitamins and minerals offered by green peas which make them an ideal food source, these four macro/trace-minerals undoubtedly underscore the true nutrient density of Pisum Sativum. That aside though, it is important to note not all bioavailable elements found in foods are generated in equal amounts33. Moreover, factors like soil properties, environment temperature, sun exposure, seasonal changes, etc. can affect uptake and storage capabilities 34. Therefore, unless mindful of potential fluctuations35, neither the general public nor medical personnel36 may properly account for origins of purported quantities consumed outside controlled settings37. This highlights why nutritional labels describing agricultural products should always take precedence over non-quantitative sources38.
Ultimately, green peas are great means for obtaining diverse types of nutrition including key minerals integral to human biology. Each element described herewhile embody specific benefits worth considering for achieving good health outcomes. With careful attention paid to reliable nutritional information, enjoying green peas can support one’s bodily functions in beneficial ways.
References:
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34. Abdul-Raheem, M.A., Munasinghe
Calcium | 0.025 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.00147 grams |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.033 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.108 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.244 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.005 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.00124 grams |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Copper | 0.18 mg |
Daily Value 0.9 mg
|
Manganese | 0.41 mg |
Daily Value 0.0023 g
|
Selenium | 0.0018 mg |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|