Green Peas: Complete Vitamin Profile

Green Peas ‐ Vitamin Information

Green Peas and Their Vitamins

Green peas are an incredibly nutritious vegetable, hailing from the Central Asia regions of China, where they gradually spread throughout parts of Europe, North Africa, and then eventually to America. One serving of green peas provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other compounds that can help provide numerous health benefits. This research paper will delve into the vitamins found inside of green peas, discussing each vitamin’s presence in detail, its functions, the possible amount present and nutrition facts pertaining to these vitamins.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient utilized by the body to enhance vision and maintain healthy bones, teeth and skin. It is mainly obtained through consuming animal products such as organ meats (liver) and fatty fish, however it also can be acquired through plant-based sources. According to USDA records, one cup of cooked green peas contains 264 International Units (IU) of Vitamin A – this is roughly 9% of the daily value recommended for adults. In addition, pea leaves contain high amounts of Provitamin A Carotenoids like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene and others, around 585 micrograms per stem, which convert directly into Retinol once consumed.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine works together with Niacin (vitamin B3), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) to create energy in human cells. The three chemicals interact in order to form ATP, while breaking down fat molecules, proteins and carbohydrates. Furthermore, thiamine helps strengthens the immune system, increases mental agility and prevents certain heart diseases. Green peas are a great natural source for Thiamine; half a cup or 70 grams of uncooked green peas contains 0.11 mg, equivalent to 8% of a person’s total daily recommended allowance for Thiamine.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin acts to protect body tissues from oxidative damage, helps bodily enzymes facilitate metabolic processes and enhances cellular development overall. Consuming enough riboflavin helps turn online food components into energy, support normal growth rates and prevent various cancers. Fortunately, green peas offer plenty of Vitamin B2 with just 1/2 a cup providing 33% of the daily intake recommended by medical professionals.

Vitamin C

When many people think of Vitamin C, they immediately recall citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes – but few know that green peas have quite a bit too! This extremely important vitamin naturally helps us fight off illness and infection, reduce cholesterol levels, keep our blood pressure low, heal wounds quickly, and synthesize hormones like adrenaline. A single cup of cooked, frozen green peas offers about 37 milligrams of Vitamin C, equal to 41% of a person's RDI requirement. Additionally, Vitamin C plays an important role in helping produce collagen within the body, which gives skin its youthful and elastic appearance.

Folate

Folate, sometimes called Folic Acid, is part of the B-Vitamin family and involved in producing red and white blood cells, forming genetic material and assisting in neurotransmitter synthesis. More specifically, Folate is responsible for transforming Homocysteine into Methionine, which serves as fuel for producing hemoglobin. Not getting enough Folate over long periods of time has been linked to permanent anaemia, multiple birth defects and major folate deficiency related illnesses. Luckily, ½ cup of fresh green peas holds almost all of your necessary daily dose at 64 mcg, representing 16% of your needed daily intake.

Conclusion

As stated earlier, green peas are highly abundant in many different vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent dietary staple and source of nutrients. This research paper explored five key vitamins present in peas: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C and Folate. Each of these vitamins came with their own specific set of benefits, allowing individuals to counter numerous physical ailments including strengthening the immune system, lowering cholesterol & blood pressure, fighting off cancer and sustaining healthy neurological functioning. Ultimately, adding more green peas to your diet could very well prove beneficial to your overall health.