Peas please! A look at the nutrition in green peas

No matter in which form you have peas, there's a lot of nutrition in green peas. Despite their small size, green peas are incredibly nutritious and have several health benefits.

Green peas are abundant in antioxidants and micronutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. They're also rich in pea protein and fiber to aid with weight loss and digestion.

Both raw and cooked fresh green peas are delectable, while dried peas are a hearty soup staple. There are many reasons to try this healthy vegetable due to its versatility and myriad health benefits.

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Nutrition in green peas

Green peas are rich in protein. (Image via Unsplash/David Todd McCarty)

Children are advised to have green peas for a good reason. They include a variety of important vitamins and minerals that the body needs. Although green peas are low in calories - roughly 135 - and have 25 grams of carbohydrates per cup, they are abundant in protein.

Additionally, they contain nine grams of protein, as well as nearly a third of the recommended daily intake of fiber and vitamin K. Saturated fat, cholesterol and salt levels in green peas are minimal.

A cup of peas also contains a decent quantity of niacin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and zinc, as well as 25% of the recommended intake for the B vitamins thiamine and folate.

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Health benefits of green peas

Now that you know the nutrition in green peas, it's no surprise that there are many health benefits of it too. Here’s a list of benefits offered by green peas:

1) Regulates blood sugar level

Nutrition in green peas: They're low in calories. (Image via Unsplash/Jean Michel Garcia)

Peas don't immediately raise blood sugar level, as they have a relatively low glycemic index. Additionally, they're high in protein and fiber, both of which can aid in controlling blood sugar level.

In fact, studies show that even those with type 2 diabetes can benefit from consuming a variety of meals high in protein in terms of lowering blood sugar level.

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2) Good for digestion

As we know about the nutrition in green peas, they're rich in fiber, which is good for the digestive system.

The good bacteria in the intestine are fed by fiber, keeping them strong and preventing growth of harmful germs. The likelihood of inflammatory bowel illness, irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer is also decreased.

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3) Protects the heart

Green peas are good for the heart. (Image via Unsplash/Catia Climovich)

Heart problems are less likely in people who have a lot of vegetables, especially peas, owing to the nutrition in green peas.

Peas are a fabulous source of plant protein, dietary fiber and potassium, all of which help decrease blood pressure, especially among people in their middle years.

Peas are a promising food to help reduce obesity and risk of heart disease due to their low-calorie, low-fat nutritional composition.

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4) May provide protection against cancer

Legumes like peas should be a regular part of diet because of their high antioxidant content, which may lower chances of developing cancer. Peas also include saponins, which are organic substances that have been demonstrated to help prevent several types of cancer.

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5) May aid in weight loss

A few servings of green peas can do wonders for your waistline, as they're low in calories and high in protein and fiber. Both the fiber and protein keep you feeling full so you can fend off cravings and curb your appetite, which accelerates weight reduction.

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Peas work best when combined with a variety of other high-fiber protein foods to help lose weight and curb hunger. Green beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds are a few examples of nutrient-dense foods that can easily be incorporated into a diet for losing weight.