What Does Sweet Pea Do to the Body? Separating Fact From Fiction

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 cases of lathyrism have been recorded in Ethiopia between 1976 and 1996, linked to the overconsumption of grass pea, a close relative of the ornamental sweet pea. When it comes to the question of what does sweet pea do to the body, it is crucial to distinguish between the ornamental flowering plant and the edible garden pea due to significant health implications.

Quick Summary

The ornamental sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus, is toxic if seeds are consumed in large quantities, potentially causing paralysis, while edible garden peas offer numerous health benefits including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Points

Toxicity of Ornamental Seeds: The seeds of the ornamental flowering sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) are toxic if ingested in large quantities over a prolonged period.
Risk of Osteolathyrism: Chronic consumption of ornamental sweet pea seeds can lead to osteolathyrism, a serious condition affecting bone and connective tissue health.
Edible Peas Are Nutritious: Edible garden peas (Pisum sativum) are safe and provide a wealth of nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Digestive Health Benefits: The high fiber content in edible peas promotes healthy digestion, regularity, and a feeling of fullness.
Heart and Eye Health: Edible peas contain heart-healthy minerals and carotenoids that support cardiovascular function and protect against age-related eye diseases.
Distinguish Pea Varieties: Always confirm the botanical name of a pea plant to ensure it is the edible variety (Pisum sativum) and not the toxic ornamental (Lathyrus odoratus).

The Crucial Distinction: Ornamental vs. Edible Peas

The most important detail to understand about the effect of "sweet peas" on the body is that the term is confusingly applied to two different types of plants with very different outcomes. Ornamental sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus), commonly grown for their beautiful, fragrant flowers, are toxic if the seeds are ingested. In contrast, the sweet-tasting, nutrient-dense vegetables we consume, such as garden peas, snap peas, and snow peas, come from the edible pea plant (Pisum sativum).

The Dangers of Ornamental Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

The seeds of the ornamental sweet pea contain a toxin called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). Ingesting large quantities of these seeds over an extended period can lead to a serious condition known as osteolathyrism. The toxin interferes with the cross-linking of collagen, a protein essential for the strength and stability of connective tissues like bones, cartilage, and blood vessels. This can lead to severe health issues, though accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause serious harm.

Symptoms of Osteolathyrism

Bone and joint deformities: The inhibition of collagen formation can cause abnormalities in skeletal development.
Weakened blood vessels: Impaired collagen cross-linking can weaken blood vessel walls, potentially leading to aortic aneurysm.
Reproductive failure: The toxin has also been linked to reproductive issues.

The Health Benefits of Edible Garden Peas (Pisum sativum)

Fortunately, the peas you find at the grocery store—whether fresh, frozen, or canned—are entirely safe and provide a wealth of nutritional benefits. Edible peas are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein.

Nutritional Advantages of Edible Peas

High in Plant-Based Protein: Peas are an excellent and affordable source of plant protein, making them a great option for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports healthy gut bacteria. This fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management.
Blood Sugar Regulation: With a low glycemic index and a combination of protein and fiber, peas help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion of starches.
Heart Health: The fiber in peas, along with heart-friendly minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, helps reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Peas are loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and polyphenols. These compounds fight inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Eye Health: Peas contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are vital for protecting the eyes from harmful blue light and reducing the risk of chronic eye diseases like macular degeneration.
Immune Support: The rich vitamin and mineral content, especially vitamin C, helps bolster the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off infections.

Ornamental vs. Edible Pea: A Comparative Table


Feature	Ornamental Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)	Edible Garden Pea (Pisum sativum)
Edible Parts	Flowers and young shoots can be consumed in moderation, but seeds are highly toxic.	Entire pod (for snow/snap peas) and peas inside are edible and safe.
Key Characteristic	Grown for highly fragrant, colorful flowers.	Cultivated as a food source for thousands of years.
Toxicity	Seeds contain beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which can cause osteolathyrism.	Non-toxic and safe for human consumption.
Health Effects	High-quantity consumption of seeds over time can cause weakened connective tissues, bone deformities, and potential vascular problems.	Provides numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, heart health, and immune function.
Culinary Use	Minimal, primarily used as a garnish with edible flowers.	Versatile culinary ingredient in soups, salads, sides, and main courses.

Conclusion

So, what does sweet pea do to the body? The answer depends entirely on the type of pea in question. Ornamental sweet peas should never be consumed due to the toxic compounds in their seeds, which can cause severe health issues with repeated ingestion. In stark contrast, edible peas—the common green vegetables we enjoy—provide significant nutritional benefits for the body, supporting everything from digestive and heart health to immune function and eye protection. It is crucial for home gardeners and consumers to understand this distinction to avoid any health risks associated with the ornamental variety. For a safe and nutritious addition to your diet, stick to the well-known, non-toxic edible peas.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the flowers of ornamental sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are sometimes used as a garnish, the seeds are toxic and should never be consumed. It's safest to stick to edible peas (Pisum sativum) for food.

Yes, frozen green peas are safe and nutritious. They are often frozen at their peak freshness, which helps to preserve their nutrient content.

Edible peas belong to the Pisum sativum genus and are cultivated for food, while ornamental sweet peas belong to the Lathyrus odoratus genus and are grown for their fragrance and flowers. The seeds of the ornamental variety are toxic.

Accidental ingestion of a small number of ornamental sweet pea seeds is unlikely to cause serious poisoning due to the quantity needed. However, it is a risk and professional medical advice should be sought immediately, especially for children.

For some people, especially those with digestive sensitivities like IBS, the high fiber content in peas can cause bloating and gas. Soaking and cooking can reduce antinutrients, and moderation is key for those affected.

Edible peas support heart health through their rich content of fiber and heart-friendly minerals like magnesium and potassium, which help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure.

Yes, edible peas can aid in weight loss. Their high fiber and protein content promote a feeling of fullness, which helps curb appetite and reduces overall calorie intake.