If you're looking for a healthy food option that's also affordable, split peas are a great choice. One tablespoon of boiled split peas with no added salt contains just 14 calories.

In addition to being low in calories, split peas are also high in a variety of important nutrients. For example, one tablespoon of boiled split peas contains 1.3 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates.

In this article, we'll explore some of the health benefits of eating split peas and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your diet.

Great for weight loss

Split peas are a great food option if you're trying to lose weight. They're low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Additionally, the protein in split peas can also help with weight loss. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates or fats, which means you'll feel full for a longer period of time after eating split peas.

High in protein

Despite their small size, split peas are surprisingly high in protein. One tablespoon of boiled split peas contains 1.3 grams of protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. It's also important for maintaining muscle mass, especially as you age.

Manage cholesterol

Split peas are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. When you eat fiber, it binds to cholesterol in your digestive system and helps remove it from your body. By reducing your cholesterol levels, you can lower your risk of heart disease.

Regulate blood sugar

Split peas are a low glycemic index food, meaning they won't cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels. The fiber in split peas slows down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream, which helps prevent spikes in insulin. Additionally, the protein in split peas can also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream.

Rich in fiber

Split peas are a great source of fiber, with one tablespoon of boiled split peas containing 1 gram of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, as it helps keep your bowels regular and decreases your risk of constipation. Fiber is also important for weight management, as it helps you feel full and satisfied after eating. Additionally, fiber has been shown to reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Easy to prepare

Split peas are easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of recipes. To cook split peas, simply rinse them in cold water and bring them to a boil in a pot of water. Once they're boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 30 minutes or until they're tender. Split peas can be used in soups, stews, and salads. They can also be mashed into a dip or spread, such as hummus.

Good for bone health

Split peas are a good source of several nutrients that are important for bone health, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K. Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth, while magnesium and vitamin K are important for bone density. Eating split peas as part of a balanced diet can help you get the nutrients you need for strong bones.

Affordable and accessible

Split peas are a great food option if you're on a budget, as they're inexpensive and can be found in most grocery stores. They can also be purchased in bulk, making them an even more affordable option. Additionally, split peas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, making them a great staple to have in your pantry.

Versatile ingredient

Split peas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. They have a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Split peas can be used in soups and stews, such as split pea soup or vegetarian chili. They can also be used in salads or mashed into a dip, such as hummus.

Suitable for vegetarians

If you're a vegetarian, split peas are a great source of protein to include in your diet. They can be used in a variety of meatless dishes, such as split pea soup or vegetarian chili. Additionally, split peas are a good source of iron, which is important for vegetarians who may not get enough iron from their diet.