Health Benefits of Green Peas

Health Benefits of Green Peas

Green peas are everyone’s favourite spring vegetable, and winters are the time when they are enriched with best flavours and also cost the least. They should be added to your regular menu; it is one of the most under-rated fruit regarding nutrient content.

Dieticians often ask to avoid them in your meals because of the natural sugar and starch present in them. But this should not stop you from consuming this beautiful fruit which is often counted amongst vegetable because they have an array of phytonutrients like – coumestrol, which is believed to play an important role in preventing stomach cancer and are a boon for our health.

Peas belong to the “Nitrogen Fixing “crop category, it is not the only environment-friendly but also provides the soil with certain benefits. They take the nitrogen gas present in the environment and change it to usable form with the help of the bacteria present in the soil. This helps in increasing the availability of nitrogen in the soil and thus saves your money to be spent on fertilisers. Peas also have an added advantage of having a fibrous and shallow root system; this helps in prevention against soil erosion.

About 100 grams of peas contain 181 Kcal, they are rich in dietary fibres and sugars. It contains thiamine, riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Peas are loaded with minerals like – manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Following are the health benefits of Green peas –

Maintains Bone Health

Green peas are rich in phytosterol B, which is believed to lower the levels of cholesterol and support stronger bones.

They also help in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory benefits

Green peas are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidants nutrients such as alpha-carotene and catechin Phytonutrients like saponins, pisumsaponins I and II, Pisomosides A and B have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Regulation of Blood sugar levels

High fibres and proteins help in slowing down the digestion of sugars also the antioxidants present in peas help in preventing type-2 diabetes. Dietary fibre present in peas contributes to stabilising glucose levels

Prevents Heart Diseases

Peas are loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents which support good health of your blood vessels. As we are aware, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation increase the probability of formation of plaque along the blood vessels.

Since peas are enriched with a generous amount of thiamine, riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K, they help in preventing the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Also, the dietary fibres present in peas do not allow deposition of plaque along the wall of bold vessels.

Research suggests that soluble fibres help in lowering the blood cholesterol levels. Peas also help in reducing the formation of triglycerides which reduces the bad cholesterol in the body.

Prevents constipation

Peas are rich in soluble dietary fibres, which keep the digestive system healthy. Fibers are composed of indigestible compounds; they do not change while passing through our stomach and intestines. This helps in adding bulk to the faeces.

Helps in preventing hair fall

Optimal growth of hair requires vitamin C which aids in collagen formation. Deficiency in vitamin C leads to dull and dry hair, which breaks easily.

Radiant skin

Radiant skin is a sign of healthy skin, adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is the prerequisite of glowing skin. Peas are loaded with various minerals and vitamins which prevents oxidative damage.

Caution: Peas contain purines which are contraindicated in people with gout and kidney disorders. Hence, it is also advised to avoid peas in such medical conditions.