Sugar snap peas belong to the family of peas. They are green and edible together with the pods, considered ancient crops, originally from Europe. There are only 42 calories per 100 grams of sugar snap peas, which is amazingly low. It makes them excellent for people on weight loss diets. It contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein and other nutrients. Even though they’re small in size, they can provide many of the daily needs of nutritive ingredients. Because they’re eaten whole, the amount of dietary fiber increases. Fiber, helps the digestive system function properly by helping the intestines absorb food nutrients more efficiently. Sugar snap peas also help food move through the intestines more quickly than usual and helps with constipation. Fiber, is also know with its ablility to lower the bad cholesterol levels in the body.
Vitamin C, is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there. Besides having anti-inflammatory properties to protect us from the cold and the flu, vitamin C fights free radicals that cause cancers, degenerative diseases, premature aging and many more. In 100 mg, there are 60 mg of vitamin C which makes for 100% of the daily recommended dosage of this vitamin.
Other useful vitamins in sugar snap peas are vitamin K and vitamin A. Vitamin K is a lesser known vitamin, but it is not any less important than others. There are 25 micrograms of vitamin K in 100 grams of sugar snap peas and this vitamin helps for healthy bones and for patients of Alzheimer’s disease because it can help prevent neuronal brain damage. Vitamin A is vital for healthy mucus membranes and for good vision. Antioxidant flavonoids such as zea xanthin, lutein and carotenes help fight free radicals and prevent oral cavity and lung cancers.
Other vitamins are from the B complex group such as B6 (pyridoxine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B1 (thiamin) etc. There are many minerals as well such as selenium, calcium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron etc.
Sugar snap peas are available in the vegetable section of supermarkets or in local green markets. Look for fresh, green and healthy-looking pods with undamaged skin. At home, store in the fridge placed in a plastic bag where they will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
The nutritive value for 100 grams of sugar snap peas is as follows:
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42 kcal
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Dietary fiber: 2.6 grams
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Protein: 2.80 grams
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Carbohydrates: 7.55 grams
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Total fat: 0.20 grams
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Cholesterol: 0 mg
Serving suggestions:
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Raw, added to many salads
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Cook the whole pod several minutes in boiling water and use them as a side dish or in main dishes
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Stir-fried in combination with sweet pepper, potatoes, other peas etc.
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Sautéed with poultry or seafood etc.
