Cowpeas (or black eyed peas) is an herbaceous legume which grows annually in a warm climate with adequate rainfall and is one of the much known beans with loads of benefits.
• The pod is yellow, green or purple, slightly curved and cylindrical.
• The seeds are white, green, cream, buff, brown, red and black.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Directions of Preparation
Its Active Constituents:
• Cowpea is excellent in Dietary Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin B1.
• Cowpea is very good in Energy, Protein, Carbohydrate, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6.
• Cowpea has average trace of Saturated Fatty Acid.
Health Benefits of Cowpeas
Anti-Aging
• The levels of anti-oxidants and the Fiber in cowpea, helps in removing the free radicals causing Skin damage, repair the already damaged Skin cells and ensure a firm, elastic and youthful Skin, and hence delaying ageing signs. The Skin is smooth and free form ugly signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
• The impressive levels of anti-oxidant compounds, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Protein found in Cowpeas, makes it excellent for improving the appearance and health of your Skin.
• The anti-oxidants eliminate signs of aging, soothe irritation, heal scars and protect the Skin against the effects of UV radiation, while Protein helps stimulate cellular repair and the growth of new tissues.
Foods & Bones
Cardiovascular System
• The soluble Fiber and Phytosterols in cowpea make it perfect for lowering the bad Cholesterol (LDL) from the body.
• Cowpea contain flavanoids which helps in treatment as well as prevention of all cardiovascular problems.
• Cowpeas contains various Flavonoids that can reduce inflammation and promote more normal heart function.
• Vitamin B1 (ThiamineCowpeas plays a role in protecting heart health as it can actively prevent Heart Failure and largely control the ventricles of The Heart.
• Dietary Fiber also plays a particular role in the balance of Cholesterol in the body, which can prevent heart attacks and Strokes, as well as the build-up of plaque in The Arteries.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Cowpeas possess high amount Iron which eliminates the Anemia (a deficiency of Iron in the blood). Cowpeas have long been used as a treatment for Anemia (an Iron deficiency in the body that results in weakness, cognitive confusion, stomach aches, fatigue and poor overall metabolic function).
• The high levels of Iron found in Cowpeas are an excellent way to also promote good circulation. Cowpea leaves contains up to 24mg/100g of Iron and 4.8g/100g of Protein.
• Iron is necessary in the production of red blood cells, so an Iron surplus will provide more oxygenated blood to the organs, thus promoting better function, faster healing, and higher Energy levels.
Note:
* Anemia is the result of the low hemoglobin and red blood cells. Anemia affects the body parts and also reduces the Energy levels. It leads to the poor functioning of the brain and reduction in immunity.
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Cowpea plant is used to make emetics which treats Fever and heals urinary schistosomiasis caused due to Schistosoma haematobium.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Cowpea is good for diabetic patients as its soluble Fiber makes it good for maintaining right blood sugar level.
• Cowpea possess high amount of Magnesium which is essential for the Metabolism of glucose and Carbohydrate. Magnesium plays a key role in the Metabolism of Carbohydrates and can help the body maintain balanced levels of blood sugar.
Note:
* Low level of Magnesium leads to the defect in the secretion of insulin and also reduces the sensitivity of insulin.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Cowpeas are a rich source of Fiber and Dietary Fiber is one of the best solutions for a wide range of stomach issues and digestion, as it can help to absorb Water and loosen up the stool, bulking up your bowel movements and stimulating peristaltic motion.
Foods & Digestive System
Immune System
• Cowpea contain a huge amounts of anti-oxidants in the form of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. which helps in removing out the free radicals from the body, which cause chronic illness and cellular mutation.
• Cowpeas has Threonine which may assists the Immune System by promoting the production of anti-bodies.
• The Lysine in the cowpea reduces the genital herpes or cold sores and also speeds up the healing process.
• The Vitamin C and Vitamin A alone that is found in Cowpeas is enough to give the body a major detoxifying boost to protect the Immune System.
• Cowpea root acts as an anti-dote for snakebites.
Foods & Immune System
Metabolism
• Cowpeas helps to tone The Stomach well and stimulate the functions of pancreas and spleen in a way that all problems are treated. It also calms the aggravated bowel movements.
• Cowpeas supports Metabolism as it contains Copper which acts as an essential part in functioning of 50 different reactions of metabolic enzymes in the body. The reactions of enzymes are vital to maintain the smooth functioning of Metabolism.
• Potassium, Copper, various anti-oxidants and Folate assist to maintain the Metabolism.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Cowpeas contains Calcium and Phosphorus which is a vital mineral to maintain the strength and structure of Bones.
• Manganese which is also found in Cowpeas, assists in the formation of Bones by regulating the enzymes and Hormones which is involved in the process of Bone Metabolism.
• Phosphorus assists in the mineral density of Bones that inhibits Bone breakage, fractures and Osteoporosis.
• The Osteoporosis in women is helped with the presence of Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper and Boron in cowpea.
• Cowpeas contain Isoleucine which assist to raise the endurance and also fixes the tissue in the muscles.
• The Threonine in Cowpeas produces the Serine and Glycine which is essential for the Collagen, muscle tissue and elastin production. It maintains the healthy and strong connective muscles and tissues.
• Magnesium can be found in high levels in Cowpeas and contributes to better Bone Health.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Pregnancy
• Cowpea possesses Folate (Vitamin B9) which assists in lowering the chances of neural tube defects like anencephaly or spina bifida.
• Folate is also essential for the replication of DNA because the fetus cells could not grow without the presence of Folate.
Note:
* The deficiency of Folate leads to the birth defects such as malformations of limb and heart.
Foods & Pregnancy
The Brain & Nervous System
• Cowpea contains significant levels of Tryptophan which is effective for treating disorders of social Anxiety, Insomnia, help the body relax and ease into better sleep patterns by providing a sound sleep. If you suffer from restlessness at night or Insomnia.
• It also assists the neurotransmitters which maintain the level of Energy, control mood and appetite.
• The Amino Acids Phenylalanine in Cowpeas may help to prevent Depression. The mood of the people was improved as they took Phenylalanine because the raise in the production of chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
Note:
* Cowpeas can enhance the level of Histidine as it contain Histidine in 0.41 mg (about 33% DV).
Foods & Nervous System
Weight Management
• Cowpeas are completely low in calories, Cholesterol and there Dietary Fiber helps in removing toxins, accumulated fat and cellulite from the body, which is always a benefit to weight loss.
• Cowpeas Dietary Fiber also helps to optimize digestion by making sure that you are absorbing nutrients, rather than storing fat or waste in your body.
• Dietary Fiber also makes you feel full for longer.
Foods & Weight Management
Women Health
• The infusion of cowpea seeds and crushed roots treats Amenorrhea, painful menstruation and Dysmenorrhea.
Foods & Women Health
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Peas (Cowpeas)
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Peas (Cowpeas)
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Cowpea (Catjang)
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Peas (Cowpeas Leaves)