The humble pea is often under rated, however, peas are a delicious and healthy option for your baby’s diet. They are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, folate, and magnesium. Peas are also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt.¹ Need we say more? While fresh peas are delicious when available, frozen peas are not without their health benefits freezing peas early in the picking process helps lock in vital nutrients that can be lost at room temperature. Did you know that green peas can lose over half their vitamin C in the first 24 to 48 hours after being picked?²

Peas are rich in fiber, which both supports digestive health and fuels beneficial gut microbes. Peas also contain a low glycemic index and help ensure stable blood sugar regulation in the body, which is useful if you need to monitor your blood sugar levels. Regularly including peas in your diet may even reduce the risk of cancer due to their high antioxidant levels!³

Don’t be disheartened if at first your child is hesitant to try a new vegetable it can take some time before they accept a new food. That said, the roly-poly shaped veggie can be tricky for young eaters, so we’ve put together a few age-appropriate preparation suggestions below.

References

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peas-nutrition
• https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/may/01/are-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables-as-good-for-you-as-fresh
• https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-peas