The quick growing, sweet and starchy green little balls called peas can do wonder if you include them in your meals. They are not just tasty but also possess many nutrients that make them a compulsory ingredient in your vegetable diet. People often assume them as an inexpensive green vegetable growing on the peas plant, is an ingredient that is served or used for garnishing in cheap restaurants. But it is not so, taking into account the various nutritious benefits that peas provide, they can be considered as a powerhouse of the nutritional values.
Health Benefits of Peas
1. Weight Management
The ideal food for weight loss is the one that packs a nutritive punch in addition to being low in calories. And with peas perfectly fulfilling this criteria, consuming them can aid in weight loss. One cup of matar provides you approximately 118 calories. Also, its high fibre makes you feel full for a long time and thus preventing you from snacking on unhealthy foods.
2. Stomach cancer prevention
Peas contain high amounts of a health-protective polyphenol called coumestrol. A study in Mexico City determined you only need 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient to prevent stomach cancer. A cup of peas has at least 10.
3. Contains Fiber and Protein
Peas are free of cholesterol and low in fat and sodium. They feed your muscles and brain. Each cup has 8.5 grams of protein, more than twice as much protein as a tablespoon of peanut butter. A cup of cooked peas also has 9 grams of fiber, adding bulk to your meal and helping you feel full. It also contains 9.5 grams of natural sugar that provides your brain with glucose without causing an abrupt spike in your blood sugar level.
4. Heart disease prevention
Niacin present in peas reduces bad cholesterol, which is responsible for many heart related diseases. Additionally, peas are rich in antioxidants that prevent your blood vessels and arteries from getting blocked. Hence, consume soup made out of peas to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
5. Healthy for the environment
Peas work with bacteria in the soil to ‘fix’ nitrogen from the air and deposit it in the soil. This reduces the need for artificial fertilizers since one of their main ingredients is nitrogen.
6. Prevent constipation
When you have constipation, it is important that you consume foods rich in fibre to clear your bowel movements. Eating peas that are loaded with fibre might do the trick for you and help you relieve constipation. Apart from this, peas improve your metabolism thereby aiding in better digestion. Here are some home remedies you can try to relieve constipation.
7. Healthy bones
Just one cup of peas contain 44% of your Vitamin K which helps to anchor calcium inside the bones. It’s B vitamins also help to prevent osteoporosis.
8. Reduces bad cholesterol
The niacin in peas helps reduce, the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein, which results in in less bad cholesterol, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and lowered triglycerides.
9. Helps reduce depression
According to a study published inJournal of Affective Disorders low intake of folate, a vitamin, increased the risk of melancholic depressive symptoms. Additionally, people suffering from depression are advised to eat foods rich in antioxidants. As peas are loaded with antioxidants and are easily available, snacking on boiled peas is a great idea to deal with mood swings.
10. Improves your immunity
A strong immune system ensures that your body is capable of fighting infections and protects you free from a wide range of diseases. Since peas are a good source of Vitamin C in addition to being packed with various nutrients, eating them improves your immunity.
11. Good for Eye-Sight
Peas have adequate amount of anti-oxidant flavonoids like lutein, carotenes, zea-xanthin as well as vitamin-A. Vitamin A is one of the essential nutrients which are required for maintaining the health of mucus membranes, skin and eye-sight.
12. Blood Sugar
High fiber and protein content in peas makes sugar digestion slower. Peas do not contain any extra sugars like white sugar or chemicals and hence, it enables blood sugar regulation in the body. Pea proteins play a very important role in this action.
Sources:
http://fineartamerica.com
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-peas-5767.html
http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/give-peas-a-chance-10-health-benefits-of-this-small-wonder/
10 Health Benefits of Peas – They Are an Amazing and Simple Superfood
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-peas/
