Peas, Peas !

When most people think of peas, they remember them as the food that they loved to hate when they were children, yet one that was extremely fun to play with on their plates. Yet, many of them have become adults and learned to appreciate this vibrant and delicious legume due to its wonderful taste and texture. There are generally three types of peas that are commonly eaten: garden or green peas, snow peas and snap peas. Garden peas have rounded pods that are usually slightly curved with a smooth texture and vibrant green colour. Inside them are green rounded pea seeds that are sweet and starchy in taste.
Green peas provide nutrients, including vitamin C, which are instrumental in helping to prevent the development of cancer. A high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers. Vitamin C is your body’s first and most effective line of antioxidant protection. Vitamin C protects cell structures like DNA from damage; it helps the body deal with environmental pollution and toxic chemicals; it enhances immune function and it inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body.
* All peas are good sources of vitamin A, C, folate, iron and phosphorus

* Frozen peas retain their colour, flavour and nutrients better than canned ones and are lower in sodium

* Peas freeze beautifully if they are fresh. Fresh frozen peas do not need to be cooked upon thawing. Just add to soups, stews or heat briefly before serving

* Green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They are a very good source of vitamin K1, which activates osteocalcin, the major noncollagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside the bone .