Green Peas - Tiny Vegetable with Big health benefits!

In our previous post we discussed about a very common and useful Ayurveda medicine Tri-Phala (Three fruits). 

Photo by Bill Ebbesen

In this post we will see the health benefits of GREEN PEAS vegetable.

These starchy and sweet green peas or garden peas has been in use in various part of the world - mainly in Egypt, and Mediterranean countries like Greece etc. In India, it originated in the sub Himalayan plains of north-west India and is now grown in Gangetic plains and in south india.

PEAS are really powerhouses of nutrition that are natural boon to our health.

They contain many Nutrients - Carbohydrates, Dietary fibers, sugars, Vitamins - C, B6, B12, A, Folic Acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Amino acids.... Phew!!! It is very surprising, isn't it? How a small pea can contain so many minerals. You may doubt me. Please check this link from the US Department of Agriculture for more details.

Photo by AndrewMT

Peas also contain antioxidants and are low in calories. 100gms of green peas contain 81 calories with no cholesterol. It reduces L D L and increases H D L cholesterol levels. Due to such good benefits, Peas is grown in many parts of the world today. Check out the green spots in the map to see where it is grown.

These green vegetable contain phytosterols which help lower cholesterol level in the body. It contains vitamin K thereby help to keep our bones healthy. One cup of peas contains 44 % of vitamin K which helps to anchor calcium inside bones. Vitamin B also helps to prevent osteoporosis.

Peas may also help to treat wrinkles, bronchitis and the fiber content in the peas improves bowel movement. It also contains essential B complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, thamine, pyridoxine and many more. Further it contains many minerals, like calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese etc.

A study conducted in Mexico City reveals one needs only 2 milligrams of peas per day to help in preventing stomach cancer. Also it is helping in anti-ageing and for strong immune system with high energy.

Peas contain strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also contains OMEGA 3 fat in the form of alpha LINOLENIC-ACID (ALA).

Further peas also will help for blood sugar regulation. Since it contains high fiber and, it may help to slow down the blood sugar levels. The anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may help to prevent or even help to reverse insulin resistance.

Now I hope you may understand the benefits of this greenish vegetable. It can be used in many ways in our kitchen.

Here is one simple way to eat: Boil a cup of peas with required quantity of water and add a pinch of salt and pepper to it and it can be consumed as it is.

Let me know your comments on this article and any information you have about green peas and its benefits also.