PEAS “The Heart’s Friends”

You may have been of one of those that carefully separated peas from other foods on your plate to avoid eating them. If so, there is still time to give these little seeds another try, particularly if you suffer from coronary disease.

Peas are a fresh green legume with a delicious taste. The small, round legumes are encased in green pods. They have a high protein, vitamin and mineral content. The green legumes contain vitamins, A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and K. Mineral content includes potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc. Inclusion of this fresh legume in your diet is sure to avail several health benefits.

• The green peas are one of the few fresh vegetables that are rich in B-complex vitamins. They contain vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. These nutrients play a vital role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The fresh legumes assist in energy production which sustains numerous activities in the body. They’re a great item in the diet if you want to improve your energy levels. The vegetable is also a good source of iron which helps to prevent anemia and fatigue.

• Because of their protein richness (particularly when combined with grains), vitamins, and minerals, peas are very appropriate food for pregnant or lactating women. They are also rich in folates, which prevent fetal nervous system malformation. 

• Green peas are one of the highly recommended vegetable for healthy bones. The legume is a good source of vitamin K1 which activates non-collagen protein in the bones. This nutrient also sustains calcium supplies in the bones. One cup of boiled peas provides about 50 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K1. Inadequate vitamin K1 hinders mineralization of bones. The legumes are also rich in vitamin B6 and folic acid. These facilitate strong bones, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Foods that contain pyridoxine and folic acid also help to improve bone health.

• The fresh legumes are a good source of pyridoxine and folic acid. These are vital nutrients that help improve cardiovascular health. These nutrients also protect the heart from the harmful effects of plaque build-up. Vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting which improves cardiovascular health. It also lowers the risk of stroke.

• Green peas are a good source of vitamin C which is a potent natural antioxidant. A 100 gram serving yields 40 micrograms of vitamin C. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C have established it as a vital nutrient for cancer prevention. It helps to prevent cervical, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

• The green peas are rich in dietary fiber. A 100 gram serving provides 5 grams of fiber. This is a vital component that facilitates proper digestion. High fiber intakes help to cleanse the digestive tract of toxins and carcinogens. This lowers the risk for gastrointestinal diseases and colon cancer. When plenty of roughage is available in food consumed, it helps to prevent constipation. Being a low calorie, high fiber vegetable makes peas a great item if you want to lose weight.

• The starch in peas is slowly transformed to glucose during digestion, which makes them well tolerated by diabetics

• Peas have everything necessary to be a heart-healthy food. Additionally, they contain practically no fat or sodium, two substances that are antagonistic to coronary health if consumed in excess. They are appropriate in the diet of those suffering from heart failure, heart valve lesions, myocardiopathy (degeneration of the heart muscle) and coronary heart disease.