Peas

vegetables

Peas

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 6.1

Rated by 11 diets

4 approve2 caution5 avoid
Is Peas Healthy?

It depends — Peas is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
81kcal
Protein
5.4g
Carbs
14g
Fat
0.4g
Fiber
5.7g
Sugar
5.7g
Sodium
5mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Green peas contain approximately 11g net carbs per 100g. While lower than some vegetables, they are legume-based and quickly exceed keto carb allowance.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant food legume with no animal products. Excellent protein source and nutrient density make this a vegan staple.

Paleo3/10AVOID

Legume family. Excluded from paleo diet due to lectins, phytic acid, and anti-nutrients. Not available to hunter-gatherers in raw form.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Legume with excellent protein, fiber, and micronutrient profile. Aligns with Mediterranean emphasis on plant-based proteins. Fresh or frozen peas are minimally processed.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Legume with significant carbohydrate (~14g per 100g) and plant protein. Legumes universally excluded from carnivore diet across all authority figures.

Whole302/10AVOID

Peas are legumes and excluded from Whole30. Exception exists only for green beans, sugar snap peas, and snow peas—not regular peas.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Peas (green peas) are high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a type of oligosaccharide. Monash University confirms high-FODMAP status even at modest servings.

DASH8/10APPROVED

Legume-vegetable hybrid with excellent protein, fiber, and potassium. Low sodium when fresh or frozen without added salt. Supports DASH nutrient profile well.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Moderate glycemic index (~48) with dual carb/protein profile. More starchy than leafy vegetables but provides some protein. Usable in Zone meals with careful portioning; often counted as carb block rather than protein block due to carb density.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Legume with excellent anti-inflammatory profile. High in fiber, plant-based protein, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Low glycemic index, supports healthy microbiome, and provides resistant starch when cooled. Strong evidence for anti-inflammatory benefits.

GLP-1 Friendly6/10CAUTION

Peas offer moderate protein (5g per half cup) and good fiber, but are higher in carbohydrates and natural sugars than leafy vegetables. Acceptable in small portions as part of a balanced meal, but should not be a primary vegetable choice for GLP-1 patients due to calorie density.

iSome GLP-1 nutrition experts view peas more favorably due to their protein content and fiber, especially when portion-controlled. Others prioritize lower-carb vegetables exclusively.

Controversy Index

Score range: 29/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus6.1Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Peas

Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • High protein legume
  • Complete amino acid profile when combined
  • Whole food
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Plant-based protein source
  • High fiber content
  • Legume family emphasis
  • Minimal processing when fresh/frozen
DASH 8/10
  • High protein and fiber
  • Good potassium source
  • Low sodium (fresh/frozen)
  • Supports satiety
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate glycemic index
  • Mixed carb-protein profile
  • Requires portion control
  • Better as carb than protein source
  • high fiber and resistant starch
  • plant-based protein
  • rich in polyphenols
  • low glycemic index
  • supports beneficial gut bacteria
  • Moderate protein (5g per half cup)
  • Good fiber (4g per half cup)
  • Higher carbohydrate content
  • Higher natural sugar
  • Moderate calorie density
Last reviewed: Our methodology