There is a wide range of impressive health benefits associated with pigeon peas, that might include their ability to stimulate growth, manage blood pressure, prevent anemia, and boost heart health. It may also aid in weight loss, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, increase energy, and eliminate inflammation.
What are Pigeon Peas?
Scientifically known as Cajanus cajan, pigeon peas are a legume. They belong to the Fabaceae family and are a tropical pea-like seed. These peas are often mixed with other grains, maize, or sorghum, or crushed into flour and used to make bread. The flavor is rather unremarkable, which is why they are so often mixed with other ingredients in culinary uses. Their benefits are undeniable which has led them to become a significant crop around the world. [1] [2]
In terms of medicinal benefits, pigeon peas can thank their diverse blend of protein, minerals, vitamin, organic compounds, dietary fiber, antioxidants and other unique components, all of which impact human health in different ways. The plant grows easily, even in harsh conditions, dries quickly and can be stored for extended periods of time, which makes them even more desirable in certain arid regions.
A blanket of pigeon peas Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 10.59 Energy 343 Energy [kJ] 1435 Protein [g] 21.7 Total lipid (fat) [g] 1.49 Ash [g] 3.45 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 62.78 Fiber, total dietary [g] 15 Calcium, Ca [mg] 130 Iron, Fe [mg] 5.23 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 183 Phosphorus, P [mg] 367 Potassium, K [mg] 1392 Sodium, Na [mg] 17 Zinc, Zn [mg] 2.76 Copper, Cu [mg] 1.06 Manganese, Mn [mg] 1.79 Selenium, Se [µg] 8.2 Thiamin [mg] 0.64 Riboflavin [mg] 0.19 Niacin [mg] 2.97 Pantothenic acid [mg] 1.27 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.28 Folate, total [µg] 456 Folate, food [µg] 456 Folate, DFE [µg] 456 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 1 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 28 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.33 16:0 [g] 0.31 18:0 [g] 0.02 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 18:1 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.81 18:2 [g] 0.78 18:3 [g] 0.04 Tryptophan [g] 0.21 Threonine [g] 0.77 Isoleucine [g] 0.79 Leucine [g] 1.55 Lysine [g] 1.52 Methionine [g] 0.24 Cystine [g] 0.25 Phenylalanine [g] 1.86 Tyrosine [g] 0.54 Valine [g] 0.94 Arginine [g] 1.3 Histidine [g] 0.77 Alanine [g] 0.97 Aspartic acid [g] 2.15 Glutamic acid [g] 5.03 Glycine [g] 0.8 Proline [g] 0.96 Serine [g] 1.03 Sources include : USDA [3]
Health Benefits of Pigeon Peas
Over the centuries, these legumes have gradually gained the reputation as a health food, so let’s take a closer look at the unique health benefits of pigeon peas.
Might Help In Regulating Blood Pressure
One of the key minerals found in pigeon peas is potassium. It is perhaps best known as a vasodilator, which may be able to reduce the constriction of blood vessels and thereby lower blood pressure. For those suffering from hypertension, adding pigeon peas to your daily or weekly diet might just be a wise move. [4]
Can Aid In Growth and Development
The reason that pigeon peas have become such an irreplaceable part of the diet in many parts of the world is their densely packed protein content. A single cup of cooked pigeon peas may contain 11 grams of protein. Protein is essential for normal growth and development, as it is the building block of everything, from cells and tissues to muscles and bones. Protein is also important for normal healing and regeneration of cells throughout the body. [5]
May Help To Prevent Anemia
The incredibly high levels of folate found in pigeon peas can play a dual role within the body. First of all, folate deficiency is closely linked to anemia and certain neural tube defects in unborn children. Anemia is a very common affliction in tropical and developing countries, which makes pigeon peas all the more important. A single cup of pigeon peas may have the ability to provide more than 110% of the daily recommended intake of this important vitamin. [6]
Can Have Anti-inflammatory Properties
Every part of the pigeon pea plant might have been used in some form to cure inflammatory issues, including the leaves, seeds, and peas themselves. The organic compounds found in pigeon peas may help to quickly reduce swelling and inflammation throughout the body. More specifically, a paste made from mashed pigeon peas might have been a popular traditional medicine for piles, commonly known as hemorrhoids. [7]
Might Help In Weight Loss
Despite being loaded with nutrients, pigeon peas are moderate in terms of calories and very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. One of the problems with any diet is the feeling of hunger between those small, conscientious meals. The dietary fiber and wealth of nutrients found in pigeon peas may help keep you feeling full, increase the rate of your metabolism and not lead to weight gain. In fact, most of the nutrients in pigeon peas convert to usable energy than storable fat. [8]
Can Be Used To Boost Energy
As mentioned above, the conversion of pigeon peas to energy is impressive, to say the least, and this is mainly thanks to the presence of B vitamins in these legumes. Niacin and riboflavin actively promote the metabolism of carbohydrates by the body and may prevent the storage of fat, thus boosting overall energy levels without packing on any pounds. This is ideal for people who live in arid climates, work physically demanding jobs, or deal with unusual climates that deplete energy quickly. [9]
Can Potentially Strengthen Immune System
Sometimes raw is better when it comes to maintaining nutrients, and when it comes to vitamin C levels in these legumes, it is a smarter choice to chew on the raw green peas. The vitamin C content may drop by nearly 25% once you cook the peas, so if you need a boost for your immune system, keep them uncooked! Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant in the body, thus promoting overall wellness and strong immunity. [10]
May Help Promote Heart Health
The combination of potassium, dietary fiber, and low levels of cholesterol might just make pigeon peas a great choice for maintaining heart health. Potassium reduces strain on the heart by lowering blood pressure, dietary fiber can help balance cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis. By still delivering essential nutrients without unbalancing overall cholesterol with saturated fats, your heart will thank you! [11]
Might Aid In Improving Digestion
Like many legumes, pigeon peas may be a rich source of dietary fiber, which is well known to improve digestion. Fiber can bulk up the stool and promote more regular bowel movements, thus reducing strain and inflammation, and lowering the occurrence of constipation, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Furthermore, fiber can improve the efficiency with which the gut absorbs nutrients, meaning that you get more out of your food!
