Pigeon peas

legumes

Pigeon peas

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.3

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid

How the diets react

Approves5
Caution1
Disapproves5
Is Pigeon peas Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Pigeon peas contain approximately 22g net carbs per 100g cooked. Even small portions (½ cup ~100g) deliver 11g net carbs. As a legume, they are fundamentally incompatible with ketogenic targets and will disrupt ketosis.

VeganApproved

Whole plant legume, excellent protein source, unprocessed, fully plant-based.

PaleoAvoid

Pigeon peas are legumes, fundamentally incompatible with paleo principles. Contain anti-nutrients (lectins, phytates) that interfere with nutrient bioavailability and intestinal health.

MediterraneanApproved

Legumes are a Mediterranean diet staple. Pigeon peas provide excellent plant-based protein and fiber. While more common in some Mediterranean regions than others, they align perfectly with core principles.

CarnivoreAvoid

Legume/pulse crop, plant-derived. Excluded from carnivore diet. High carbohydrate and antinutrient content.

Whole30Avoid

Pigeon peas are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30 for the full 30 days.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Pigeon peas are legumes with high GOS content. Monash University classifies legumes as high-FODMAP during the elimination phase regardless of serving size.

DASHApproved

Core DASH legume. Excellent source of fiber, plant protein, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Low sodium in unsalted form. Supports blood pressure management and cardiovascular health.

ZoneCaution

Similar to black lentils: legume with ~15g carbs and 5g protein per half-cup cooked. Moderate glycemic index but carb-dominant macronutrient profile. Requires pairing with lean protein and monounsaturated fat to achieve Zone ratios.

Legume with strong anti-inflammatory profile. Good protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Slightly less studied than common beans but consistent with legume benefits.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Strong protein (15g per cooked cup), good fiber (11g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense. Slightly lower protein density than lentils but still excellent GLP-1 companion food.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.3Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Pigeon peas

Vegan 9/10
  • whole food
  • legume
  • high protein
  • traditional staple
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Legume category
  • Plant-based protein
  • High fiber
  • Whole food
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber
  • Plant-based protein
  • Rich in potassium and magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Supports healthy lipid profile
Zone 5/10
  • Legume carb source, not primary protein
  • Incomplete amino acid profile
  • Moderate fiber content
  • Portion control essential
  • Legume family benefits
  • Fiber and protein
  • Micronutrient density
  • Low inflammatory load
  • high protein per calorie
  • good fiber content
  • low fat
  • nutrient-dense
  • easy to digest
Is Pigeon peas Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai