Green peas are not just a delicious addition to your meals, but also a powerhouse of nutrition that can benefit your health in many ways. From managing blood sugar levels to preventing heart diseases, green peas have a lot to offer. Here are some of the benefits of this ancient legume that has been consumed for thousands of years.
Green Peas and Diabetes
One of the main challenges for people with diabetes is to control their blood glucose levels and avoid spikes that can lead to complications. Green peas can help with this, as they are low in glycemic index (GI), which means they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar after eating. Green peas are also rich in fibre, which slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Green peas also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that can protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to diabetes and its complications. Moreover, green peas have a high protein content, which can help with satiety and weight management, two important factors for diabetes prevention and control.
Green Peas and Heart Health
Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and many risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, can be influenced by diet. Green peas can help lower these risk factors and improve heart health in several ways.
First, green peas are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium. Potassium also helps maintain the normal functioning of the heart muscle and nerves.
Second, green peas are rich in soluble fibre, which can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing their reabsorption into the bloodstream. High cholesterol levels can lead to plaque formation in the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Third, green peas have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent or reduce the damage caused by chronic inflammation in the blood vessels. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Green Peas: A Versatile and Nutritious Food
Green peas are one of the oldest crops in the world, dating back to the advent of agriculture. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East, but are now widely cultivated and consumed across the globe. Green peas are technically a legume, but are often considered as a vegetable due to their green colour and fresh taste.
Green peas are packed with essential nutrients, such as fibre, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, magnesium, and more. They also contain phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Green peas can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be added to various dishes, such as soups, salads, stir-fries, curries, and more. They can also be made into snacks, such as roasted or fried peas, or into vegan milk or cheese alternatives. Green peas are a versatile and nutritious food that can enhance your health and well-being.
