by Sean Herbert
I always remember the dinner table as a child and my brother who hated any kind of vegetable arguing with my mother why he had to eat his peas. My mother’s patented Norman Rockwell responses ranged from “Starving children in some far off country” to simply “Eat them, they’re good for you.” I always knew my mother was smart, but even she probably never knew how right she was!
Peas (or more specifically pea sprouts) are called “The Perfect Food.” Why? Pea sprouts are a complete protein, serving to build muscle tissue. Pea sprouts are also high in fiber and beta-carotene, which protects vision and creates an antioxidant effect against many forms of cancer. Pea sprouts help to build muscle, strengthen teeth and stimulate H cells. They have even been shown to help eliminate plaque deposits on arterial walls.
(Serving Size 120 grams)
| Calories 154 |
| Protein 11g |
| Carbohydrates 34g |
| Magnesium 67.2mg |
| Potassium 457g |
| Phosphorus 196mg |
| Zinc 1.3mg |
| Calcium 43.2g |
| Sodium 24mg |
| Iron 2.7mg |
| Vitamin A 199 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamin) 0.3mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.2mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Cyanocobalamin) 3mg |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 12.5mg |
| Folate 173 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid 1.2mg |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids 73.2 mg |
| Omega 6 Fatty Acids 318mg |
(Analysis available at www.nutritiondata.com)
So we know they are good for you, but how do you incorporate them in your diet? Start your day with a green drink and be creative.
PEA GREEN DRINK: 1 cup of pea sprouts, 1 cup of sunflower sprouts, 2 cucumbers, 1.5 stalks of celery, slice of ginger and an apple wedge. Juice all ingredients using a sprout juicer or blender and chill. This green drink recipe should yield between 16 to 20 ounces of juice.
PEA SALAD: Incorporate pea sprouts in your salad of choice. Get them small and tender and chop to your heart’s content. Pea sprouts will complement all of your dinner entrees as well. My favorite is 4 cups of sunflower, 1/2 cup of sprouted bean mix: adzuki, mung, garbanzo, red and green lentils, sliced pea sprouts on top and a mild vinaigrette dressing.
PEALICIOUS SOUP: Two 16oz packages of peas, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1.5 cups of sliced shallots, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 3 tablespoons of fresh tarragon, stir in plain nonfat yogurt, add chopped fresh pea sprouts to your liking. You can also use a food processor to regulate texture and mix the sprouts in with the peas.
Knowing that you are incorporating nature’s perfect recipe for health in your daily diet should provide you with plenty of…PEAS of MIND.
