Health benefits of green peas

green peas, also popular as garden peas, are one of the ancient cultivated vegetables grown for their succulent nutritious green seeds. Peas probably have originated in the sub-Himalayan plains of north-west India. Today, this versatile legume is one of the major commercial crops grown all over the temperate, and semi-tropical regions.
Botanically, pea plant is an herbaceous vine. It belongs to the family ofFabaceae, in the genus: Pisum. Scientific name: Pisum sativum. Some of the common names include english peas, sweet peas, garden peas, pease,...etc.
Green peas are also known as ‘Matar’ in Hindi, ‘Batani’ in Telugu, ‘Pattani’ in Tamil, ‘Pacha Pattani’ in Malayalam, ‘Vatana’ in Gujarati, ‘Moator’ in Bengali, and ‘Mattar’ in Marathi.
Green peas are now grown throughout the world in nearly every climate and time zone, both fresh and dried. Currently the largest world producer and green pea exporter, Canada grows roughly three million tons every year, with France, China, Russia, and India also large producers. India is the world's largest green pea importer.
Let us now discuss the health benefits of green peas.
Helps you lose weight

The ideal food for weight loss is the one that packs a nutritive punch in addition to being low in calories. And with peas perfectly fulfilling this criteria, consuming them can aid in weight loss. One cup of matar provides you approximately 118 calories. Also, its high fibre makes you feel full for a long time and thus preventing you from snacking on unhealthy foods.


Prevents constipation

When you have constipation, it is important that you consume foods rich in fibre to clear your bowel movements. Eating peas that are loaded with fibre might do the trick for you and help you relieve constipation. Apart from this, peas improve your metabolism thereby aiding in better digestion. Here are some home remedies you can try to relieve constipation
Stomach Cancer:

These tiny ingredients in your plate have the capacity to prevent dreadful diseases like stomach cancer. Its protective polyphenol content called coumestrol is known to prevent cancer which is abundant in peas.
Garden peas are also good in vitamin K. 100 g of fresh seeds contain about 24.8 µg or about 21% of daily requirement of vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone). Vitamin K has been found to have a potential role in bone mass building function (mineralization) through promotion of osteotrophic activity inside the bone cells. It also has established role in the cure of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage inside the brain.




Good for heart

Niacin present in peas reduces bad cholesterol, which is responsible for many heart related diseases. Additionally, peas are rich in antioxidants that prevent your blood vessels and arteries from getting blocked. Hence, consume soup made out of peas to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
The many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds 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 risk factor for heart disease.


Healthy bones

Just one cup of peas contain 44% of your Vitamin K which helps to anchor calcium inside the bones. It’s 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.
Prevents signs of ageing

Just like metal rusts after exposure to air, our bodies too suffer from free radical damage. The presence of antioxidants in peas reduces free radical damage and also eliminates harmful toxins from the body. Therefore, eat more peas to slow down this process and prevent signs of ageing. Have you tried these 9 foods that can give you glowing skin .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

Immunity:

High levels of antioxidants in peas prevent several reactions in the body that may cause serious diseases. They are rich sources of many minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese etc. which enhances the immune system of your body.

Good for Expectant Mothers:
Fresh pea pods are considered as an excellent source of folic acid. Folates are B-complex vitamins that are required for DNA synthesis inside the cell. Research studies suggest that adequate amount of folate rich foods in expectant mothers would help in preventing neural tube defects in the newborn babies. So, peas are good for expectant mothers and the health of new born babies.
Prevention of wrinkles, alzheimer’s, arthritis, bronchitis, osteoporosis and candida
These come from peas strong anti-inflammatory properties. Excess inflammation has also been linked to, heart disease, cancer, and aging in general. These properties include:
Pisumsaponins I and II and pisomosides A and B are anti-inflammatory phytonutrients found almost exclusively in peas.
vitamin C and vitamin E, and a good amount of the antioxidant mineral zinc
omega-3 fat in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Good for Eye-Sight:

Peas have adequate amount of anti-oxidant flavonoids like lutein, carotenes, zea-xanthin as well as vitamin-A. Vitamin A is one of the essential nutrients which are required for maintaining the health of mucus membranes, skin and eye-sight.

Peas: Skin Benefits

There is a strong connection between healthy body and healthy skin. Whatever you eat is reflected on your skin. Thus, adequate intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals is vital for skin health. Some of the ways in which peas can be beneficial for your skin are as follows.
Helps reduce depression
According to a study published inJournal of Affective Disorders low intake of folate, a vitamin, increased the risk of melancholic depressive symptoms. Additionally, people suffering from depression are advised to eat foods rich in antioxidants. As peas are loaded with antioxidants and are easily available, snacking on boiled peas is a great idea to deal with mood swings.

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.
Prevents anaemia and fatigue
Are you feeling stressed out at the end of the day? If yes, then try some boiled peas with a pinch of salt and pepper to boost your energy levels. This is because, peas are packed with iron, a mineral that can help prevent anaemia and fatigue, especially in women. Also, the high vitamin content in this vegetable ensures that you don’t feel fatigued after a tiring day.  Digestion:

The high dietary fiber content of peas makes them a good digestion aid. The fiber also improves the metabolism of the body in general by improving digestio

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.


Fights Inflammation:

Peas contain skin friendly nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin C and folate (folic acid). These nutrients can effectively counter inflammation and free radical damage that rob the skin of its natural stores of collagen and elastin-proteins that keep your skin firm, toned and in bounce back shape.


Peas: Hair Benefits
Like the rest of your body, supply of vital nutrients to the hair follicles is essential for the optimal growth and health of hair. Peas are good source of these nutrients which provide the following benefits to your hair.


Fiber and Protein
Peas are free of cholesterol and low in fat and sodium. They feed your muscles and brain. Each cup has 8.5 grams of protein, more than twice as much protein as a tablespoon of peanut butter. A cup of cooked peas also has 9 grams of fiber, adding bulk to your meal and helping you feel full. It also contains 9.5 grams of natural sugar that provides your brain with glucose without causing an abrupt spike in your blood sugar level.