Peas or matar is a very popular ingredient and is used all over India in dishes like Matar Paneer, Peas Pulao, etc. Even though botanically, peas are considered as a fruit, it is sold along with other vegetables. Soft and delicious to eat, green peas are a powerhouse of nutrients that benefit your body in more ways than one.
1. Weight management:
Peas are low-fat but high-everything-else. A cup of peas has less than 100 calories but lots of protein, fiber and micronutrients.
2. Stomach cancer prevention:
Peas contain high amounts of a health-protective polyphenol called coumestrol. A study in Mexico City determined you only need 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient to help prevent stomach cancer. A cup of peas has at least 10.
3. Immunity:
Peas are rich sources of many minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese etc. which enhances the immune system of your body.
4. Anti-aging:
Peas are also helpful in anti-aging of the skin. The antioxidants which are present in it such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid, alpha carotene etc. are helpful in preventing the aging process of your skin and tends to provide a natural glow to the skin.
5. Alzheimer’s and Arthritis:
Vitamin K present in peas helps you in the prevention of serious diseases like Alzheimer’s and arthritis. In Alzheimer’s afflicted patients, regular consumption of peas limits neuronal damage in the brain. Garden peas are considered to be the best source of vitamin K.
6.Blood Sugar:
High fiber and protein content in peas makes sugar digestion slower. Peas do not contain any extra sugars like white sugar or chemicals and hence, it enables blood sugar regulation in the body. Pea proteins play a very important role in this action.
7. Heart disease prevention:
The many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in peas support healthy blood vessels. The formation of plaque along our blood vessel walls starts with chronic, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation.
The generous amounts of vitamin B1 and folate, B2, B3, and B6 reduce homocysteine levels, which are a risk factor for heart disease.
8. Prevent constipation:
The high fiber content in peas improves bowel health and peristalsis.
Just one cup of peas contains 44% of your Vitamin K, which helps to anchor calcium inside the bones. Its B vitamins also help to prevent osteoporosis.
10. Reduces bad cholesterol:
The niacin in peas helps reduce the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), which results in in less bad cholesterol, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and lowered triglycerides.
Nutritional value
Peas are starchy, but high in fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc andlutein. Dry weight is about one-quarter protein and one-quarter sugar. Pea seed peptide fractions have less ability to scavenge free radicals than glutathione, but greater ability to chelate metals and inhibit linoleic acid oxidation.
