The sweet delicious garden peas, popularly known as green peas are one of the ancient cultivated vegetables grown for their succulent nutritious green seeds. Many people think peas are just a poor man’s meat or a cheap restaurant side-dish that adds that “green colour” to your meal. These tiny seeds provide numerous health benefits.
Peas are really little powerhouses of nutrition that are a boon for your health. They are a great addition to your menu because in addition to their concentration of vitamins and minerals, they also provide the carotenoid phytonutrient lutein and zeaxanthin which aids in promoting vision.
They could be in various forms such as most of them are natural while others are being processed (canned), are could be included to our meals.
Nutritional Value
Green peas are actually an outstanding phytonutrient source, as they contain flacanols, phenolic acids and carotenoids. They are also a very good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, & K, phosphorus, folate, copper, manganese and dietary fiber. They also contain protein, zinc, magnesium and iron.
Health Benefits
Peas contain high amount of a health protective polyphenol called coumestrol which aids in preventing stomach cancer
Low in fat but high in everything else, green pea aids in proper weight management.
The high fibre and protein slows down how fast sugars are digested, thus aiding in blood sugar regulation.
Due to its many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, they aid in supporting healthy blood vessels, thereby preventing certain heart diseases.
Also, due to its high fiber content, green pea aids in preventing constipation by improving bowel health and peristalsis.
Green peas also aids in reducing bad cholesterol.
The presence of Vitamin K aids in anchoring the calcium inside the bones, thus promoting healthy bones.
Green peas also aids in anti-aging and a strong immune system due to its high levels of antioxidants.
Given their exceptionally strong nutrient composition, green peas can be thus said to be a special ingredient in most meals.
However, they contain a substance called purines. People who have kidney disorders or gout, should not have green pea.
