Katharina Knoll, a Manhattan-based food and art enthusiast has prepared a series of anti-inflammatory recipes celebrating simple, rustic foods. Enraptured by the intersection of health and nutrition, Kat is the founder and director of Behind Foods. Follow Kat on her blog, Katharina’s Food Adventures, and keep in touch through her Facebook fan page and Twitter.

Nutrient composition isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think of peas- but maybe it should be. Sweet and somewhat starchy, yes…but they also contain health-protective phytonutrients, anti inflammatory benefits and immune boosting vitamins. Green peas contain the following beauty boosting benefits for:

• Clear skin thanks to Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Zinc
• Bone-building with Vitamin K, Manganese, Copper and Magnesium
• Heart-healthy dietary fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium
• Energy-producing iron, phosphorus, niacin, and riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Muscle-building protein. Recent research has shown that green peas are a reliable source of omega-3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• One of the phytonutrients found in peas–a polyphenol called coumestrol–has recently come to the forefront of research with respect to stomach cancer protection

Due to their starch content, make sure to enjoy your peas with a good dose of healthy fats and protein- and stay tuned for tomorrow’s simple summer recipe.

How do you enjoy peas?