There are more health
benefits of peas than most people can even imagine. These green vegetable
are considered as an annual plant which have the capacity of growing rapidly
with the help of trellis to support its growth. This winter crop group grows
well in a well-drained soil covered with sand. Adequate moisture combined with
cool weather atmosphere also serves the best condition for the peas to grow. In
spite of green peas, the sugar peas or also known as snap peas is also known as
having great nutrition. It has great sugar content which makes them edible in
the fresh condition for a lunchbox treat. These vegetables are also excellent
for mid morning snacking for children. What else can we tell about peas?
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| Health Benefits of Peas |
Green Peas Nutrient Value and Health Benefits
Peas are considered as one of the most nourishing vegetable. This leguminous
vegetable family is rich in healthy vitamins, phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants,
and minerals as well. In terms of nutritional value, the calorie in peas is
practically low. In every 100 g of green peas, they contain 81 calories with
excellent quantity of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The good news is, they
contain no cholesterol at all! In addition, fresh pea pods contain exceptional
supply of folic acid. Each 100 grams of peas provide 65 mcg or about 16
percent of suggested daily intake levels of folates which are known as B-complex
vitamins. These vitamins are required for DNA synthesis. Why is this substance
important? Proper folate rich consumption of foods in expectant mothers will do
a great help to prevent neural tube defects for their newborn babies. What else
can we say about the health benefits of
peas?
Other Green Peas Nutrient Value and Health Benefits
Fresh green peas are excellent source for vitamin C. This prevailing
water-soluble antioxidant boosts body resistance against illness. Peas also contain
phytosterols particularly ß-sitosterol which studies showed they
are beneficial in helping to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Other good
things about fresh peas are it quite rich antioxidants flavonoids like carotenes,
zeaxanthin and lutein which can protect the body from both oral cavity and lung
cancers. The Vitamin A in fresh peas is important for healthy vision. Additionally,
the health benefits of peas in spite
of rich in folates, fresh peas also contain a good amount of niacin,
pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc.
The Disadvantage of Peas to
Health
In spite of having great benefits to health, peas, also have a
drawback to certain people. Peas are known to contain purines. This substance
changes into uric acid. In general, uric acid is good for human’s health since
it plays a role as an antioxidant in the blood. However, if there is an excess number
of uric acid available in the blood and the kidneys are not functioning as it
should be to play its role in balancing the uric acid levels, then it builds up
and changes into crystals. These crystal accumulations in the kidneys, tendons,
joints, and other organs of human body cause gout. Consequently, peas provide
more disadvantages and even danger than health
benefits of peas for those suffering from gout.
Peas Selection and Storage
Peas belong to winter crop groups which can be attained during December
up to April. The dry seeds and flour of peas are available in the markets all through
the year. When shopping for fresh green peas, try to look for those with fresh
pods with full and heavy feeling when a person put it in her hands. Find as
well those which brim with seeds and never pick those of overly matured and wrinkled
surface as well as those which already come with yellow colored pods. It is best
to consume the fresh peas right after they are harvested. These peas are excellent
to consume since the sugar content are still in its best condition and does not
turn into starch yet. In case an individual needs to store the vegetable, it is
best to attain the health benefits of
peas by putting them inside a compartment
for vegetables in the refrigerator. The fridge should be set with high humidity
to keep the peas fresh for two to three days.
Cooking the Peas in a Healthy Way
If an individual wish to cook the cooking green peas by taking the
most of the health benefits of peas,
one of the healthiest ways to cook and consume the peas is by choosing the Healthy
Sauté method. This way of cooking is considered one of the best and healthiest
ways because this method of cooking serves the supreme flavor. This method also
makes possible to preserve the nutrients in the vegetables. All one needs to do
to cook the green peas using Healthy Sauté method is by heating three
tablespoon of broth either vegetable or chicken and water using a skillet. Then,
after the bubbles form put the green peas into the skillet and cover. Next, Healthy
Sauté the peas for three minutes and put them to a bowl. Serve the peas with Mediterranean
Dressing.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Green Peas
There are also some other ways to enjoy the green peas. Green peas can also be
enjoyed using quick serving method. People can simply add
fresh peas to fruit and green vegetable salads or combine the Healthy Sauté
with shiitake mushrooms. Another way to enjoy green peas is by making a
scrumptious and vibrant chicken salad. All an individual needs to do is simply
mixing the green peas with chicken. Then add some diced onions and an adequate
amount of almonds. Peas also go well with other vegetables such as potato,
beets, onion, carrots as well as those with seafood touch like tuna casserole
and the likes. People can also an excellent option to pack with lunch in a box
for their children. It is absolutely a great idea to help children eat
something nutritious without them realizing it.
All in all, these stalked green vegetables have
a great taste when cooked properly. They also have great values in terms of
nutrients and vitamins that can help people to maintain their healthy vision,
produce energy, maintain the immune system of the body, chronic kidney disease,
and many more. The antioxidants of peas also do a great help in preventing
cancers like lung cancer. In short, the studies had shown plenty health benefits of peas rather than any
common person could ever imagine.