Green Peas and Your Health: Three Unexpected Side Effects to Consider

Feb 03, 2024 By Nancy Miller

A wide range of pea green varieties are recognized globally, with the most widely consumed being black-eyed peas and green peas. Other types include snow peas and snap peas, frequently confused with green peas despite their dissimilar flavor and texture. It is believed that the common modern pea green originated primarily in Asia and is among the oldest and longest-cultivated foods in human history.

Additionally, dried versions of these foods were reportedly consumed for extended durations until the 16th century. Cultivating green peas in any region of the globe is generally possible. Although certain varieties in the calories of peas do not possess edible pods, those that do are simply peeled before ingestion. Removing the pods is the optimal time to consume green peas because this is when most of their delicious fresh flavor is lost after harvest.

Pea Storage And Availability

Given that it is a winter crop, green peas will be had during the winter. Due to the availability of calories in peas, dried peas are to be eaten almost every season, all year round. However, fresh peas are in abundance from December to April. Just-after-harvest peas have a sweeter and starchier consistency, which makes them an absolute delight to consume. Avoid peas with a wrinkly exterior or an overly ripe yellow hue during selection.

When it is time to pick them up, fresh peas that have a dense consistency should be preferred. A refrigerator is the ideal environment for storing fresh peas, as it has a 2-3 day shelf life. Notwithstanding this, frozen peas could respond to your inquiry if you seek an item with an extended shelf life.

Contains Anti-Nutrients

This adaptable legume might have a nutritional value shortcoming despite its apparent goodness and lack of flaws. This adverse reaction to green peas can be attributed to their anti-nutrient properties. Anti-nutrients are plant-primarily based compounds that inhibit the systemic absorption of vitamins and extra nutrients, which are essential. Anti-nutrients, which include lectins and phytic acid, are found in inexperienced split green peas and are identified for impeding nutrient absorption.

This might also systematically bring about deficiencies of essential vitamins, inflicting malnutrition in the long run. Green peas contain the anti-nutrient lectin, which disrupts the immune system's essential equilibrium and functionality, potentially affecting the bacterial composition of the gastrointestinal tract. However, by completely cooking, fermenting, or soaking green peas for extended periods, the efficacy and capabilities of these anti-nutrients can be drastically diminished or eliminated.

Increases Vitamin K Levels

Vitamin K deficiency is among pea green consumption's most prevalent adverse effects. Enhanced cellular energy production, blood clotting mechanisms, metabolism, and blood calcium levels are all influenced favorably by this fat-soluble vitamin. In addition, it possesses antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage to cells. A study discovered that consuming vitamin K-rich green peas decreased the risk of developing cancer. Conversely, regular consumption of green peas increases blood vitamin K levels.

While vitamin K is indispensable for bone health and has numerous applications, excessive consumption can reduce platelet count and blood thinning. This may result in prolonged tissue repair, wound healing delay, blood loss, or both. Those with gastric ulcers, acid reflux, or a sensitive stomach should avoid consuming green peas. Furthermore, individuals with gout, acute jaundice, blood clotting disorders, or thrombophlebitis should avoid consuming green peas due to this adverse effect.

A Leading Cause Of Gaut

Fibers, protein, and amino acids are abundant in split green peas. An additional component is vitamin D, which promotes bone density. In addition to calcium loss and uric acid accumulation, which may result in the development of gout, an overabundance of green peas may also contribute to this condition. Joint gout is an extremely painful accumulation of uric acid.

Blood uric acid levels are not abnormal but are abnormal when they become excessive. Daily uranization occurs as a result of purine digestion. The kidneys employ urine to excrete excess uric acid from the bloodstream. Uric acid is improperly stored when the kidney is overworked and unable to maintain flow during the extraction process. Compounds that are produced naturally within the human body constitute purines.

In addition to green peas, the majority of legumes exhibit this effect. Calcium leaching in the body may result from regularly ingesting beans and lentils. This phenomenon significantly impairs the structural integrity of the skeleton, particularly the joints. Decreased bone strength and uric acid buildup in the joints are consequences of calcium deficiency or absence. This leads to gout, exacerbating the damage to one's health following prolonged exposure. You must consult a health professional before incorporating green peas into your diet, particularly if you have a preexisting medical condition.

Additional Side Effects

May Increase Weight

Weight gain may result from eating green peas. Green peas contain plant-based protein. This vital fact is overlooked by many. Daily green pea consumption can cause weight gain and fat. However, this legume is touted for weight loss. Though contradictory, that's true. High fiber content in split green peas regulates blood sugar, regularizes bowel movements, lowers cholesterol, and more. This fiber comes from legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. For weight loss, green peas' high fiber content makes you feel full and prevents you from eating more but eating too many can cause weight gain. Fiber in this legume may have positive and negative effects on your diet. Try to limit your green pea intake to moderate amounts.

Causes Gas And Bloating

Various studies have linked several legumes to gastric troubles. The majority of green peas are carbohydrates. Due to its high carbohydrate content, this legume causes gas and bloating. This unpleasant flavor remains in cooked and dried peas. Flatulence and stomach swelling may accompany bloating. High sugar content bloats split green peas. Due to their indigestibility, these sugars cause digestive gas. The lectins in green peas can also cause gas.

Causes Ibs And Diarrhea

Diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome are other green pea symptoms. The stomach digests peas' high protein content. Since split green peas are gluten-free, they go well with brown rice or soy and are good for digestive issues. This reduces this green pea side effect. Regularly eating canned green peas is not advised. To add flavor, they may contain unhealthy preservatives and sugars.