10 Health Benefits Of Peas You Probably Didn’t Know

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

Because peas are often confused as a tasteless vegetable, they are frequently regaled to being pushed around on one’s plate during dinner. This is a travesty, as the tiny spherical seeds of the pod fruit Pisum sativum (yes, they are technically a fruit) are incredibly nutritious. When made properly, as well, they can taste delicious.

Following are 10 health benefits of peas. Hopefully, learning about their health benefits inspires you to eat more!

1) Aid in weight management

Because a cup of peas has less than 100 calories — yet contains plenty of protein, fiber and micronutrients, they are considered to be good for weight loss and weight management. It helps that peas are naturally low in fat.

2) Prevent stomach cancer

Believe it or not, eating your serving of peas at the dinner table may help prevent stomach cancer. This is because peas contain a health-protective polyphenol called coumestrol. According to a study in Mexico City, humans need only 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient to prevent stomach cancer. How much does a cup of peas have? At least 10.

3) Promote anti-aging and a strong, healthy immune system

Peas are considered an anti-aging food because they contain high levels of the following antioxidants:

> flavonoids: = catechin and epicatechin

> carotenoid= alpha-carotene and beta-carotene

> phenolic acids = ferulic and caffeic acid

> polyphenols = coumestrol

4) Prevent wrinkles, Alzheimer’s, bronchitis, osteoporosis, arthritis and candida

Forget kale shakes and acai berry — peas are the real “super food”! The food has strong anti-inflammatory properties and, as a result, can be attributed to decreasing the likelihood of developing disease of affluence, including Alzheimer’s, bronchitis, osteoporosis, arthritis and candida.

As RealFoodForLife reports, peas reduce inflammation because they contain Pisumsaponins I and II and pisomosides A and B, which are anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Peas also contain vitamin C and vitamin E, a good amount of zinc (which benefits skin conditions), and are rich the omega-3 fat in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). As a result, regular consumption may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles!

5) Prevent heart disease

In 2008, 25 percent of deaths in the United States were caused by heart disease. Because peas are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they reduce an individual’s likelihood of suffering a heart attack and potentially dying — that’s good news!

Specifically, the large amounts of vitamin B1 and folate, B2, B3 and B6 in peas reduce homocysteine levels, which are a risk factor for heart disease. Eat more peas to reduce the formation of plaque in the arteries and celebrate good health!

6) Benefit the environment

Surprisingly, peas are great for the environment! The plant “fixes” nitrogen from the air and deposits it in the soil. This, in turn, reduces the need for artificial fertilizers, as one of the main ingredients is nitrogen.

Additionally, after peas have been harvested, the remaining plant easily breaks down. It then creates more organic fertilizer for the soil. Finally, peas are able to grow on minimal moisture, so they are an ideal crop for the growing population as they can be grown with in areas where water is a precious commodity.

7) Prevent constipation

One thing you can be sure about when eating more peas is regular bowel movements. Peas have a high fiber content, which keeps the colon moving and reduces the likelihood of developing intestinal afflictions later on in life.

8) Reduce bad cholesterol

Peas are rich in niacin, which reduces the production of triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). As a result, HDL (“good”) cholesterol is increased.

9) Build healthy bones

No matter one’s age, everyone needs to adopt beneficial habits that support a healthy skeletal structure. Eating more peas is an intelligent first step. This is because one cup of peas has 44 percent of one’s daily vitamin K requirement. This nutrient helps anchor calcium in the bones — which is important, considering osteoporosis affects approximately 44 million women in the United States.

10) Regular blood sugar

Because peas are high in fiber and protein (8 grams per cup!), they slow down the rate of which sugars are digested. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents also prevent or reverse insulin resistance, common in type 2 diabetics.

What are some of your favorite ways to eat peas? Comment below and share this article!

Read more: This Dying 24-Year-Old Has Life Advice You May Not Be Ready To Hear

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I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here

Written by: Amanda Froelich

I'm an RHN, chef, writer, activist, and entrepreneur who lives in Colorado. I share healthy plant-based recipes at Life in Bloom and cannabis-infused recipes at My Stoned Kitchen. Read More stories by Amanda Froelich

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