Natural Healers- Peas

Rich in vitamin K and manganese, various trace elements, and enough vitamin C in one serving to give you half your daily requirement,  peas can also help boost iron stores and fight fatigue.

  They have good insoluble fibre content, which promotes a healthy digestive tract and helps guard against heart disease and stroke. Peas and pea shoots also contain antioxidants that inhibit H. Pylori.
  Mangetout, because of its edible pod, contains a substance that helps strengthen sperm and improve its fertility, and is higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene than normal peas. Garden peas, however, tend to be higher in  minerals than mangetout. Green peas contain lutein and may help to reduce the risk of cataracts and  macular degeneration.
  Peas are best eaten fresh and raw, straight from the pod, before their nutrient content begins to decline and their sugar turns to starch. Failing fresh, frozen is

you next best option, as the peas tend to be processed immediately after picking.
  You can use the pea shoots as an alternative to lettuce, or to add to a stir fry, as these contain much the same nutrients as the pods.
  Peas are best grown  on rich, well-drained soil, where the plot has been well dug at least three or four weeks before sowing. A couple of buckets of well rotted manure wouldn't go amiss, either. Peas can be grown in succession from May to October in the UK, if you choose the right varieties. The Autumn sown seed will then be ready for picking in May/June.

  If you're planning a number of rows, allow 2ft between rows, and remember that some varieties could reach up to 4ft high and therefore cast shade. They will also need support of some kind, either in the form of twiggy sticks or netting. If you don't get them off the ground before they start to fall over, they will fall victim to slugs.
  Your peas will need regular watering during dry spells.