Nutrition and Health Benefits of Peas

The health benefits of peas need not be doubted. These foods contain many nutrients that are important for the body, and are able to prevent heart disease and cancer. Peas, called Latin Pisum sativum, are often served as supplementary ingredients for various dishes, such as soup or fried rice. In addition, peas can also be processed into healthy and delicious snacks.

Nutrient Content in Peas

In 100 grams of peas, there are about 85 calories and a variety of nutrients needed by the body, such as:

• Protein.
• Carbohydrate.
• Fiber
• Vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin B (including thiamine and folate).
• Minerals, such as calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.

In addition to these nutrients, peas are also rich in antioxidants polyphenols, which are natural chemical compounds found in plants. This substance can help prevent certain diseases, such as degenerative diseases and heart disease, and maintain weight.

Benefits of Peas for the Body

Here are a variety of health benefits for peas that you can get by consuming them regularly:

1. Control blood sugar

Diabetics need to pay attention to the type of food consumed, to prevent an increase in blood sugar levels. One type of food that can help control blood sugar is peas, because peas have a low glycemic index, so they are slower to increase blood sugar levels. In addition, the protein and fiber content in peas can also help control and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes peas as one of the foods recommended for diabetics.

2. Maintaining heart health

High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. To prevent this, you need to control blood pressure by eating the right foods. Peas can be a food choice to prevent high blood pressure because they contain a number of minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Not only that, the antioxidant and fiber content in peas can also reduce inflammation, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and prevent the formation of blockages in blood vessels (atherosclerosis) which can cause heart disease and stroke. This is the reason why peas are beneficial for maintaining heart health.

3. Reducing the risk of cancer

Eating peas regularly can reduce the risk of cancer. This is thanks to the antioxidant content that can reduce inflammation in the body. Peas also contain saponins, which are compounds in plants that are known to have anticancer effects. Several studies have shown that saponins can inhibit tumor cell growth and prevent certain types of cancer.

4. Maintain digestive health

A healthy digestive tract can optimally absorb nutrients from food. For this reason, digestive health needs to be maintained. Peas are a good source of fiber to support the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition, adequate fiber consumption can also reduce the risk of intestinal inflammation, intestinal irritation, and colon cancer.

5. Is a good source of protein

Do you feel hungry easily even though you have eaten enough? Maybe you are lacking in protein and fiber intake. Foods that contain protein and fiber will make you full longer, because these two types of nutrients are more slowly digested by the body. Peas are a high source of protein and fiber. So, eating peas can control your appetite and make you not hungry fast. In addition, protein is also needed to maintain muscle strength and bone health. All the benefits of these peas are thanks to the nutritional content in them. Not only healthy, peas are also very easy to find and easily processed into a variety of dishes. To find out the portion of peas that suits your needs, consult further with a nutritionist.