Have you seen or heard about the pigeon peas before? If yes, then you may have known that it is oozing with so many benefits for the health. If not, it’s fine. We are here to give you some insights about it. Give this article a read and get to know about the different astounding health benefits of pigeon peas and many more! Worry less, because you will be learning a lot from reading this. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
What are the Pigeon Peas?
The pigeon peas are round to oval in shape, small, and mostly cherry-red in color. It is part of the legumes family, and in scientifically known as the Cajanus cajan. Furthermore, they belong to the Fabceae family and are a tropical seed that looks like a pea. More often than not, these peas are mixed with some other grains, sorghum, maize, or even crushed to become a flour. They use this in making bread. The flavor that it has is somewhat ordinary. This is the reason why it is often combined with various culinary uses. Furthermore, the health benefits of pigeon peas are astounding –that’s undeniable. Thus making them one of the largest crops all over the world.
When it comes to the medicinal benefits, the pigeon peas may thank their own varied blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, organic compounds, protein, and many other unique components. All of these come together to impact the health in different ways. Mind you, the plant grows very easily. Even in harsh conditions, it grows freely. Moreover, when you dry it, it also dries rapidly and you can store it for extended periods of time, thus making them even more looked-for in various arid regions of the world.
Nutritional Facts of Pigeon Peas
The pigeon peas are rich in dietary fiber and protein and capable of offering up lots and lots of nutrition for the body. A hundred grams of pigeon peas may contain the following essential nutrients:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 343 Kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 62.78 grams | 48% |
| Protein | 21.70 grams | 39% |
| Total Fat | 1.49 grams | 7.5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 15 grams | 39% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 456 micrograms | 114% |
| Niacin | 2.965 milligrams | 18.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.283 milligrams | 22% |
| Riboflavin | 0.187 milligrams | 14% |
| Thiamin | 0.643 milligrams | 54% |
| Vitamin-C | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 17 milligrams | 1% |
| Potassium | 1392 milligrams | 30% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 130 milligrams | 13% |
| Copper | 1.057 micrograms | 117% |
| Iron | 5.23 milligrams | 65% |
| Magnesium | 183 milligrams | 46% |
| Manganese | 1.791 milligrams | 78% |
| Phosphorus | 367 milligrams | 52% |
| Selenium | 8.2 micrograms | 15% |
| Zinc | 2.76 milligrams | 25% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Total isoflavones | 0.56 milligrams | |
Selection and Storage of Pigeon Peas
Just like in peas and various types of beans, the raw, mature, yet green seeds of the pigeon peas may be used as a vegetable. The whole, split or dry seeds may be employed as pulses in various parts of Africa, and Southern Asia.
You must choose whole, split, or dry pigeon peas that are packed in bags or bins in the wholesale markets and grocery stores. You should avoid broken, insect-damaged, and mold-inflicted seeds.
Furthermore, in order to store the pigeon peas, you must place the whole dry beans in a steel or plastic container. Keep it away from any moisture or heat. The whole seeds may keep well for quite a few months if you preserve it in an air-tight bin.
The green, raw pigeon peas may be kept in the refrigerator for two to three days and the shelled peas may be used just like the vegetables. You shouldn’t deep freeze the whole pods as they may sustain the chilling injury.
Health Benefits of Pigeon Peas
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of pigeon peas:
- Helps in improving the digestion. Just like many legumes, the pigeon peas are a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential in improving the digestion. The fiber may bulk up the stool and promote regular bowel movements. This helps in reducing the inflammation and strain, lower the occurrence of bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and cramping.
- Good for the heart health. The low level of cholesterol, high levels of dietary fiber, and potassium in the pigeon peas are beneficial in maintaining the heart health. Potassium, as we know, is beneficial in reducing the strain on the heart, the dietary fiber is beneficial in balancing the cholesterol levels as well as prevent atherosclerosis.
- Helps in strengthening the immunity. The vitamin C content of the pigeon peas is beneficial in making the immune system stronger. Moreover, it may stimulate the white blood cells production and may act as an antioxidant in the body. This helps in promoting the strong immunity and overall wellness.
- Good for the growth and development. The protein in pigeon peas is beneficial for the normal growth and development. This is since this particular nutrient is the building block of the tissues and cells, as well as the muscles and bones.
- Helps in regulating the blood pressure levels. The potassium content of the pigeon peas is essential in reducing the constriction of the blood vessels, which will then lower the blood pressure levels. This is one of the best health benefits of pigeon peas.
There is no denying that the pigeon peas are really good for the health. Its own amazing effects on the health are irrefutably worthy! So if you want a boost in the health, try it out now!
