Health Benefits 101: GREEN PEAS

As I’m typing this, I never thought that I would do a blog about this vegetable as I tend to not pay attention to it and skip it whenever I see it on a dish. Let’s admit it, we often underestimate the value of peas. We would often find them in several dishes, but never have we (at least for me) praised these green edible pods. But as I was reading different articles regarding green peas, I was surprisingly amazed as to how much nutrients and vitamins they carry.

What are Green Peas? 

Green peas come from a family of plants based on herbs, originating in the Himalayan plains of northwest India, probably from the field pea native to central Asia and the Middle East. Additional fact is that green peas are not high in calories, but they have protein. Compared to other vegetables such as carrots, peas have higher levels of protein.

Health Benefits 

GOOD FOR THE HEART

Green peas contain a decent amount of heart-healthy minerals, such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Peas also help in ensuring stable blood sugar regulation in the body. Do I need any more words to convince you to add it to your diet already?

PROVIDES BETTER DIGESTION

Green peas can improve digestion for they contain a large amount of fiber. Fiber is necessary for the intestines and keeps them healthy. Peas have insoluble fiber that can act as a bulking agent in the body to move food along, so it is digested easier.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Did you know that a cup of peas has less than 100 calories but lots of protein, fiber and micro-nutrients? Green peas are low fat but high everything else.  The high content of fiber too plays its role in weight reduction as it helps induce the feeling of fullness which keeps you from bingeing into other foods.

BUILDS IMMUNITY

High levels of antioxidants in peas prevent several reactions in the body that may cause serious diseases. They are also rich in vitamin C, which makes it one of the best immunity building foods.

GOOD FOR SKIN

As you’ve read, peas are a brilliant source of Vitamin C, which plays a significant role in in the production of collagen. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and glowing. The antioxidants help fight oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. The antioxidants which are present in it such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid and alpha carotene helps prevent signs of ageing.

GREAT FOR EYE SIGHT

Peas have suitable amount of anti-oxidant flavonoids like lutein, carotenes, zea-xanthin as well as vitamin A – one of the important nutrients which are required for maintaining the health of mucus membranes, skin and eye-sight.

Wondering How You Can Cook Fresh Green Peas?

ADDITIONAL FACTS

Green peas are a rich source of many minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese, 45 percent of the DV in vitamin K for blood coagulation, and nearly a quarter of what’s needed daily in thiamin, vitamin A, and folate. Other advantages of eating green peas are to prevent osteoporosis and limit neuronal damage in the brain that can cause diseases like Alzheimer’s. Do I need to boast green peas more for you to not neglect them anymore? In addition with the many benefits of this amazing vegetable, below is a photo of the nutritional facts of green peas.