Though peas are usually thought of as just a poor man’s meat or a side dish that puts ‘green’ on a person’s plate, Peas are really little power plants full of nutrition and good for your health. Although they are considered as vegetables, green peas are fruits since they contain seeds developed from a flower.
Fresh peas
They have many different uses and some of its uses are the following.
- Peas are essential in weight management as they are low in fat but high in nutrition especially lots of protein, fiber and micronutrients.
- 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 help prevent stomach cancer.
- Heart disease prevention; the many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in peas support healthy blood vessels. The amounts of vitamin B1 and folate, B2, B3, and B6 reduce homocysteine levels, which are a risk factor for heart disease.
- Peas are good for the environment as they work with bacteria in the soil to ‘fix’ nitrogen from the air and deposit it in the soil and reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. After harvesting peas, the remaining plant easily breaks down to create more organic fertilizer for the soil and peas are also able to grow on minimal moisture.
- The high fiber content in peas Prevent constipation, improving bowel health and peristalsis.
When buying peas which is very common in local markets, always remember that dry peas have almost twice the protein content of green peas and the fresher the peas the better, as the sugar content transforms into starch.