The green peas as a vegetable is often undervalued. They are mostly added to company other vegetables like paneer, potato or stuffed inside chops but are never praised for their qualities. Mostly they play second fiddle to the dishes with which they are served.
However, one may not know that the green peas or popularly known as Matar are quite nutritious too. They are rich in polyphenol antioxidants and vital vitamins such as vitamin K, C, and folate. It is also high in manganese and fibre.
In this article, Nutritionist and Dietician Avni Kaul talks about the health benefits that the green peas can offer. Here are some.
Great Source Of Iron
Green peas are a great source of iron. Iron deficiency is the major cause of anaemia. If you do not have sufficient iron, your body will not make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells thus, causing hemoglobin deficiency. Iron assists combat fatigue and provide you strength.
Boosts Eye Health
Green pea can also be beneficial to your eyes. Peas are filled with carotenoid pigment lutein. Lutein is known to prevent the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration or loss of vision during old age. Peas can also bolster eyesight.
Develops Immunity
Peas are high in vitamin C, this makes it as one of the finest immunity building foods. Peas, particularly the pea shoots, also have phytoalexins, an antioxidant which can inhibit H Pylori, the bacteria that creates stomach and duodenal ulcers and stomach cancer.
Aids In Weight Loss
The small-sized peas can assist you to shed some kilos too. Peas are low in fat and also low in calories when compared to heavier legumes such as beans.The high portion of fibre too plays its role in the reduction of weight. Fibre assists in inducing the feeling of fullness that keeps you away from gorging onto other foods.
Heart Friendly
The insoluble fibre content inside the peas, helps in reduction of the risk of heart disease and stroke. Besides this, peas are also helpful in ensuring stable blood sugar regulation in the body.
Beneficial For Skin
Peas are a good source of Vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of collagen. Collagen assists in keeping the skin firm and glowing. Vitamin C also safeguards the cells from damage caused due to free radicals. The antioxidants fight oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. The antioxidants that are present in it like the flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid, and alpha-carotene supports prevent signs of ageing as well.
In Buenos Aires, 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games Nutritionist Avni Kaul was the Advisor (Nutrition) from India. She is a Gold-medallist master’s science graduate from the University of Delhi in the subject of Food and Nutrition. Avni Kaul is a diet and nutrition columnist in some of India's leading newspapers and magazines like -
Columnist at TimesNow
Columnist at NDTV Food
Columnist at Grazia
Columnist at Deccan Herald
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