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Overview

About Green peas

Green peas taste like a mild spring vegetable, so it surprises most people that they are a high-FODMAP food and a notable nickel source.

The fermentable fiber in peas is GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), the same one that makes beans hard to digest, so even a half-cup can cause bloating, gas and cramping if you have IBS or a sensitive gut. Peas are also high in nickel, which matters if you have a systemic nickel allergy. A quarter-cup portion stays low FODMAP; the trouble starts once the serving grows.

Sensitivities

How Green peas scores

Watch for

What trips people up

  • High in GOS, so a normal serving can bloat a FODMAP-sensitive gut even though a small quarter-cup is fine
  • High in nickel, a common trigger for systemic nickel allergy syndrome (dyshidrotic hand eczema, itchy flares)
  • Very high in lectins when raw or undercooked, so cook peas fully before eating
  • Moderate in salicylates, a minor consideration if you are salicylate-sensitive

Diet fit

Where it fits

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FAQ

Common questions about Green peas

Are green peas high FODMAP?

A typical half-cup or larger serving of green peas is high FODMAP because of its GOS content. A small quarter-cup (about 23g) is low FODMAP, so portion size is what decides whether peas bother your gut.

Why do peas make me bloated and gassy?

Peas are high in GOS, a fermentable fiber your small intestine cannot fully break down. Gut bacteria ferment it in the colon and produce gas, which causes the bloating, wind and cramping many people notice after peas or bean-family foods.

Are green peas high in nickel?

Yes. Like most legumes, peas are among the higher-nickel plant foods. If you have systemic nickel allergy syndrome, regular pea-heavy meals can add to your dietary nickel load and contribute to flares.

References

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Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.