More Peas Please!

Many may think peas are just ordinary vegetables. They belong to the group of food known as legumes which produce pods with beans or seeds inside. Food like chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, and all bean types are also part of the legume family. Don’t underestimate these tiny bead-sized peas which come with lots of health benefits ranging from keeping your eyes healthy to protecting you against certain cancers!

Do you know that peas are a good source of vitamins C, E, and Zinc? It also contained other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. Other nutrients like coumestrol, and vitamins A and B not only lower your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, but they also help reduce inflammation.

There are three types of peas you can eat :

Snow Peas – which are slightly sweeter than green peas; they are grown inside edible pods.

Green & Snap Peas – grown inside green, rounded pods: are sweet and starchy.

Let’s take a look at the health benefits these tiny beads sized jewels peas bring :

Good for Digestion

The high fiber content found in pods helps in your digestion. It moves food through your gut for easier digestion and enhances more regular and smoother bowel movements. Therefore, don’t forget to add peas to your diet! Put them in your sides, stews, and salads for a healthier meal.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties & Builds Immunity

Peas are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, E, Zinc, Catechin & Epicatechin to help build your immune system.

The Anti-inflammatory vitamins and nutrients found in peas help to reduce inflammation and also lower the risk of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

Good for the Heart

Stress and inflammation can contribute to the formation of plaque along the blood vessel walls. Peas, which contain Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, help to reduce inflammation and oxidation and prevent the plaques from forming. Therefore, helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other minerals like potassium and magnesium found in peas can also reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Blood Sugar Control

Peas which are rich in fiber and protein, help to regulate the way one digests starches. The fiber and protein slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and help to control your blood sugar.

As peas also have a low glycemic index, it will help ensure stable blood sugar regulation in the body. Hence, one is less likely to have sudden spikes in blood sugar after eating them.

Good for the Eye

Peas can also do wonders to your eyes! They contain nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect your eyes from chronic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. These nutrients act as filters from the harmful blue light which contributes to macular degeneration and cataracts.

Good Source of Iron

Peas are also rich in iron. Iron deficiency is usually the leading cause of anemia. The body will not be able to make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells thereby causing hemoglobin deficiency. Iron deficiency may leave you tired and short of breath. Iron helps combat fatigue and gives you strength.

Weight Loss

For anyone looking to lose weight, these bite-sized peas can help you lose some weight! Peas are not only low in fat, but they are also very low on calories as compared to other legumes like beans and cowpeas.

Are you aware that half a cup of green peas (about a handful) contains only 59 calories? This half-cup serving is all you need to get the health benefits of peas!

Good for Skin

As we all know, Vitamin C plays an important part in the production of collagen, which helps keep our skin firm and glowing. Vitamin C also protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants will help fight oxidative damage.

Peas are known to be an excellent source of Vitamin C which will enable you to achieve healthier skin.

Now that you have learned about the health benefits of eating peas, it’s time to include peas in your diet!