Green peas are one of the healthiest foods on the planet that are also delicious to munch on even raw. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and a number of special compounds that prevents diseases and promotes health. You can always add more peas to your cooked dishes to add to the taste and also to the food value, but having it raw, in salad or just munching it raw is certainly even more healthy.
Peas are nice to eat even when they are raw and freshly separated from the pod, hence you can simply munch on them to get all the health benefits. Apart from the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, peas are also high in protein and fiber content which adds to their nutritional value. This article will discuss the health as well as the beauty benefits of peas. Read on to know,
Prevents cancer
Green peas are rich in antioxidant content. They contain flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids as well as polyphenols all of which can work as effective antioxidants in the body. The active compounds of green peas not only help in suppressing the formation of cancer cells but might also be effective in inducing apoptosis in the cancerous cells. The coumestrol present in peas has been proved to be able to prevent stomach cancer. Including more green peas in your daily diet might help in reducing your risk for cancer.
Boosts immunity
Fresh peas are one of the best sources of ascorbic acid or Vitamin C which can strengthen the immunity system helping you to ward off common cold and infections. A strong immunity system can give you the best life quality helping you to stay fit. So, include green peas in your diet everyday and enjoy a great immunity.
Promotes better cardiovascular health
Peas are known for promoting cardiovascular health. They contain phytosterols, particularly the beta-sitosterol that can be very helpful to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Lower cholesterol ensures lesser risk of cholesterol deposition and clogging of the arteries, which helps in maintaining a proper cardiovascular health. In addition to that, the high potassium content of peas makes it an ideal food for the heart. As cardiovascular problems are becoming commonplace in our society nowadays, hence indulging on more green peas in your diet can be actually helpful.
Strengthens bones
Strong bones are important for a good health and peas can give you real strong bones. Peas are rich in calcium and it also contains zinc which helps in better absorption of calcium into the bones and thus promotes better bone health. Moreover, fresh green peas are also high in vitamin K content, which has been observed to play a vital part in mineralization of bones. Including more green peas in the diet of growing children, pregnant women as well as women in their 40s and elderly can be helpful to ensure stronger bones.
Can prevent Alzheimer’s
The high vitamin K content of peas also vows for its ability to limit any kind of neural damage. Vitamin K has been linked with prevention of degeneration of the brain cells and hence it can be actually effective in preventing or at the least in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s in elderly.
Promotes better eyesight
Peas are known for being a great food for a better eye sight. The high vitamin A content of peas supports great eyesight and prevents degeneration of the retinal tissue. The antioxidant lutein present in peas is also known for promoting healthy eyesight. Taking lutein in adequate quantity can be most effective to prevent loss or deterioration of vision with age. It can also be helpful to prevent age related eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Fights depression
Peas can be highly effective in fighting depression particularly due to their high B vitamin and zinc content that promotes the secretion of feel good hormone in the brain. These compounds can also be effective to calm the nerves and to promote better sleep. If you are having frequent mood swings, consuming peas can be a natural way to control the problem.
Promotes digestion
Being filled with B vitamins and a high amount of fibers, peas are considered as one of the foods that help in better digestion. The B vitamins present in peas triggers secretion of digestive enzymes which makes digestion easier for the system. In addition to that, the high fiber content of peas help in the formation of bowel and also aids in bowel movement. Consuming peas along with other green vegetables can be highly effective to cure constipation.
A great food for pregnant women
When it comes to the folate rich foods, peas are one of the names at the top. Folate is vital for proper neural development of the fetus and by consuming peas in adequate amount expecting mothers can ensure that there is no folate deficiency in the baby. Consuming peas also ensures a ready supply of calcium to the bones of the expecting mother, which is vital during pregnancy. As peas helps in curing constipation too, which is a common problem during advanced pregnancy, hence it makes a super food for pregnant women.
Having listed some of the top most health benefits of peas now let us move to the beauty benefits of these pods,
Fights aging
Aging of the skin is one of the most vital and common problems for all. The increasing amount of pollution in the environment, added with our food habits and lifestyle, is aging our skin much quicker than earlier days. If you suffer from wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, dry or patchy skin, a pack made from peas and honey can be the best for your skin rescue. Fresh green peas are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C that reduces the oxidative damage to the skin and also helps in controlling all the signs of skin aging through nourishment.
Protects skin from sun rays
Protection from the sun rays is vital to ward off a whole range of skin problems and pea extract can give your skin all the UV protection it might need. Pea extract negates the effect of UV rays on the skin by protecting the collagen and elastin of the skin, which are majorly responsible for the skin health and firmness.
Might cure acne
The high vitamin C and natural mineral content gives peas a mild-antibacterial property. It is also known for being anti-inflammatory which helps in soothing the acnes and pimples on the skin naturally.
