Lathyrus Sativus General
Lathyrus Sativus is widely known as Grass Pea. It is a dual process annual legume. It is tasty and high in nutritious protein. It is widely cultivated for human consumption and economic use. The seeds are used for human consumption and the fodder is for livestock feeding. The pea foliage and seeds are economically used as fodder. They can be used fresh, dried and as silage.
Well, Lanthyrus Sativus is considered both as a savior and a destroyer. As a savior, the crop can withstand extreme conditions as Drought and Flooding. It is the only solution to famine and starvation in such situations. But if consumed as a major diet for a long period of time it produces toxins in the Body and can act as a destructor for the Body. It is harmless in small quantities, but if consumed majorly in diet for over three months it can cause Paralysis of lower limbs known as Lathyrism. The main component in Grass Pea is ODAP ( Beta-N-Oxalyl-L-Alpha,Beta-Diaminopropionic acid ) neurotoxin. ODAP is responsible for making the crop tolerant to drought and flooding. At the same time, it is the cause of neurological disorders in the human body.
Pea Seeds are used as food in many dishes. In India, the seeds are dried, split and used to make dal. In Ethiopia, the seeds are finely ground to make a sauce. The sauce is accompanied with the Ethiopian traditional dish called Injera. In Nepal and Bangladesh, seeds are ground to make flour and used for flatbread or roti making. Oil from the seeds of Grass Pea stimulate Bowel movement.