Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans: Which Is Better?

Pigeon Peas and pinto beans belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare pigeon peas and pinto beans and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are a legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

They are a staple food in many countries, including India, Africa, and South America.

Pigeon peas are known for their high protein and fiber content, as well as their rich flavor and versatility in cooking.

Pigeon peas can be used in various dishes such as dals, curries, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make flour and snacks.

They peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and are a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.

They are also rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer.

Pigeon peas are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a great option for a healthy diet.

Pigeon Peas is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a type of legume native to Central and South America.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their rich, nutty flavor.

Pinto beans are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as pinto bean soup, chili, and salads.

In addition to being a nutritious food, pinto beans have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Pinto Beans are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) and some Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin K.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pigeon peas vs pinto beans.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pigeon peas and pinto beans and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing pigeon peas vs pinto beans for weight loss, pigeon peas is slightly lower in calories, with 343 calories per 100 grams, compared to 347 calories per 100 grams of pinto beans.

However, both pigeon peas and pinto beans can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pigeon peas and pinto beans, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Pigeon Peas offers around 1% more protein than pinto beans.

Pigeon Peas has 21.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pinto beans have 21.4 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in pigeon peas and pinto beans.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 0% higher in pigeon peas than in pinto beans. It have 62.8 grams per 100 grams, compared to 62.6 grams in pinto beans.

There’s less sugar in pigeon peas than in pinto beans, 100% precisely.

One handful of pigeon peas (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pinto beans contains 0.6 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pigeon peas and pinto beans.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 4.3 grams of fiber per portion, pinto beans are a better source of fiber than pigeon peas which offer 4.2 grams per portion.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, pigeon peas and pinto beans are low in fat.

Fats in pigeon peas and pinto beans are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pigeon peas and pinto beans:

• Pigeon Peas: 1.5 grams per 100 grams
• Pinto Beans: 1.2 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, pinto beans are 33% lower in saturated fats.

Pinto Beans and pigeon peas contain 0.2 grams and 0.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pigeon peas and pinto beans.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Pigeon Peas has a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, pinto beans have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

Pigeon Peas and pinto beans contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pigeon peas and pinto beans contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pigeon Peas vs Pinto Beans Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the pigeon peas and pinto beans comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pigeon Peas is a better source of fluoride, phosphorus, and selenium than pinto beans.

On the other hand, pinto beans are a higher amount of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Check out the table below to learn how pigeon peas and pinto beans compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Pigeon Peas and pinto beans are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pigeon peas and pinto beans are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.