Good Food Green Peas: Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts
Pea:-
Family:- Fabaceae
Other Names:- Pisum sativum, Austrian winter pea, Dun pea, Field pea,
Garden pea, Green Pea, Grey pea, Mutter Pea, Patridge Pea, Spring Pea, Sweet Peas.
Used Part:- Seed, Capsules.
Description:
–
The pea plant is a hardy annual with hollow trailing or climbing stems that
reach a maximum height of 1.8 meters. There are two pairs of leaflets on the
compound leaves on the stem, which have terminal tendrils that facilitate
climbing. Butterfly-shaped
reddish-purple, pink, or white flowers are two to three per stalk. The fruit is
a pod that grows to 10 cm long, splitting in half when ripe. Five to ten seeds
are attached by short stalks inside the pod. There are green, yellow, white, or
variegated seeds.
Health Benefits:-
1- Improves Digestion:
Peas improve digestion because of high fiber
content present in pods helps in maintaining good digestive health. Fiber adds
bulk to the stool, enhances smoother bowel regularity.
2- Prevents Anemia:
Peas are a good source of iron. Iron deficiency is
the leading cause of anemia the body cannot make enough healthy oxygen-carrying
red blood cells, thereby causing hemoglobin deficiency. Iron helps combat
fatigue and gives strength.
3- Boosts
Immunity:
Peas are one of the best foods for building
immunity due to their high vitamin C content. Phytoalexins, an antioxidant in
pea shoots, can also inhibit H. It is caused by Helicobacter pylori, a
bacterium that causes stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
4- Eye
Health:
Peas are packed with
carotenoid pigments lutein. Lutein is known to reduce the risk of cataracts and
macular degeneration and loss of vision as we age.
5- Heart Health:
The insoluble fiber content present in Peas helps
reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Peas are also beneficial for
regulating blood sugar levels in the body.
6- Weight Loss:
Peas are low in fat and calories as compared to
legumes such as beans and cowpeas. The high content of fiber plays its role in
weight reduction. Fiber helps induce the feeling of fullness which keeps from
bingeing on other foods.
7- Skin Care:
Peas are a great source of
Vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen. Vitamin C protects cells from
free radical damage. Vitamin C protects cells from
free radical damage as well. Antioxidants help
combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants such as
flavonoids, catching, epicatechin, carotenoid, and alpha-carotene help prevent
signs of aging too.
8- Good for Men’s Health:
Peas can help increase sperm count and motility.
Peas can help strengthen sperms and improve their ability to fertilize an egg.
9- Prevents Alzheimer’s and
Arthritis:
Peas contain vitamin K, which helps prevent
diseases such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Pea consumption limits neuronal
damage in the brain. Peas are considered to be one of the best sources of
vitamin K.
10- Anti-Ageing Properties:
Antioxidants that are present Pea such as
flavonoids, catching, epicatechin, carotenoid, and alpha-carotene help prevent
the aging process of the skin and tend to provide a natural glow.
11- Supports Pregnancy:
Fresh Pea pods are considered an excellent source
of folic acid. Folates are B-complex vitamins needed for DNA synthesis inside
the cell. An adequate amount of folate-rich foods in expectant mothers would
help in preventing neural tube defects in newborn babies.
Other uses:-
Peas are often served boiled and seasoned with butter and spearmint as a side dish for vegetables, salads, and casseroles.
Warnings:-
– Peas contain a substance called purines. People
who have kidney disorders or gout, should not include Peas in their meals.