The black-eyed pea, black-eyed beans, or goat pea, a legume, is a subspecies of the cowpea, grown around the world for its medium-sized, edible bean.The black-eyed beans are highly beneficial for the health as the flavonoids in the beans may help reduce heart disease and cancer risk. tosterols, also in the legume, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.Black eyed beans provide a of nutrients, are a rich source of fibre and can be used in a of recipes. For vegetarians, the black eyed beans can provide a needed source of iron.