Sugar Snap Peas Nutrition
A hundred grams of sugar snap peas contain (1): This nutrient and antioxidant-rich vegetable has many health benefits. Let’s take a look at them.
Health Benefits Of Sugar Snap Peas
1. Improve Bone Health
Sugar snap peas contain vitamin K, which helps maintain bone health, increases bone mineral density, and reduces fracture rate in people with osteoporosis (2). Pea proteins contain biopeptides, which promote osteoblast proliferation (cells that make the bone) and differentiation and procollagen development to improve bone function in people with osteoporosis (3).
2. Boost Immunity
Sugar snap peas contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports various cellular functions and boosts the immune system. It supports epithelial barrier function, which is crucial to protect the body against pathogens (4). Adequate intake of vitamin C can reduce the risk of pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea in children (5).
3. May Boost Gastrointestinal Function And Health
Sugar snap peas contain fiber, which is crucial for improving digestion and gastrointestinal health. They promote overall gut health and functions like nutrient absorption, stool formation, and functions of gut-friendly microbes (6) (7).
4. May Prevent Fatigue
Animal studies found that pea peptides significantly reduced fatigue. Consuming peas also decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactic acid levels in the blood (8). Blood urea nitrogen and lactic acid are produced during ATP metabolism (the energy source for cell function) and cause fatigue (9).
5. May Decrease The Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
Sugar snap peas are low in calories and do not contain fat, which makes them heart-friendly. Pea fiber can reduce postprandial (post-meal) triglyceride buildup in the body, which is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease (10), (11).
6. May Help Protect Vision
Peas contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which can protect the eyes from macular degeneration, a condition that affects the macula in the retina and causes vision-related issues (12). Sugar snap peas are available in spring (April to June). Fresh snap peas are light green and have a sweet aroma. You can consume them raw or cooked. Here is how you can add them to your diet
How To Eat Sugar Snap Peas: Healthy Recipes You May Try
You can roast them, pickle the entire pods, and add them to stir-fried dishes. Here are some tasty recipes you may try:
1. Sugar Snap Peas Stir Fry
What You Need
200 g of sugar snap peas 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds 1 tablespoon of sesame oil 3 tablespoons of olive oil 2 chopped garlic cloves 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger 20 mL water 1/4 teaspoon of pink salt or iodized salt
Method
2. Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas And Tofu
What You Need
300 g of sugar snap peas 100 g of tofu 4 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger ½ tablespoon of minced garlic ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds 1 teaspoon of salt
Method
3. Honey Glazed Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
What You Need
200 g of sugar snap peas 1 large carrot (thinly sliced) 4 tablespoons of honey 2 tablespoons of butter
Method Here are some additional tips to help you pick the freshest sugar snap peas and store them.
How To Store Sugar Snap Peas
Always buy bright green and glossy peas, without any yellowing or speckled areas. Avoid the ones with loose peas rattling inside the pod. For storing, wash them with water, wipe them or air dry, and then put them in perforated plastic bags or glass containers. You can refrigerate them – however, use them within a week. You can also freeze them. Wash the sugar snap peas, pat them dry, and thaw them. Transfer the thawed peas to a plastic bag and seal it tightly. You can use frozen sugar snap peas for a month. Discard them if they turn sticky or give out a foul smell.
Sugar snap peas are possibly safe when consumed in moderation. However, they may cause minor side effects when consumed in excess.
Side Effects Of Sugar Snap Peas
- May Cause Bloating Sugar snap peas are rich sources of dietary fiber, and excess dietary fiber may cause bloating (13).
- May Worsen Diarrhea Anecdotal evidence suggests that sugar snap peas may worsen diarrhea and cause abdominal cramps and stomach discomfort.
- May Cause An Itchy Throat If you are allergic to sugar snap peas and legumes, it may cause an itchy throat and coughing. Usually, these symptoms subside on their own once you stop eating sugar snap peas. However, if the symptoms persist after 48 hours, consult your doctor immediately. Also, be aware if you are allergic to these. Do sugar snap peas make you gain weight? No. Many anecdotal studies suggest that sugar snap peas may help with weight loss due to their low calorie and fat content. Can you eat the shell of snap peas? Yes. You can eat the shell of snap peas. In general, the whole pod of snap peas is edible. However, strings along the edges are removed before consumption. What is the difference between snap peas and snow peas? Sugar snap peas are a cross between garden peas and snow peas. Unlike flatter snow peas, snap peas are slightly tender with a sweet flavor and have a thicker, crunchy pod. Can I boil sugar snap peas? Yes. A quick blanching of sugar snap peas in boiling water is needed before eating. What’s the difference between snap peas and edamame? Snap peas can be eaten whole and have a slightly sweet taste. Edamame has a bitter taste, and you can eat only the pods.
