Green peas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to any diet. At just 84 calories per 100g serving (cooked and drained), green peas are also a low-calorie food, making them perfect for weight-conscious individuals who want to maintain a healthy diet.
In addition to being low in calories, green peas are packed with a range of essential nutrients. For example, they contain vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, iron, and calcium, and are also a good source of dietary fiber. This means that consuming green peas regularly can lead to a range of health benefits, as we'll explore in the following sections.
In this article, we'll discuss the health benefits of green peas, how to cook them, their nutritional value, and how they can help with weight loss, heart health, digestive health, and more.
Health Benefits of Green Peas
Green peas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which can promote better health in a range of ways. For example, the vitamin C in green peas can help to boost the immune system and protect the body from infections, while the iron in green peas can help to improve energy levels and reduce the risk of anemia. Furthermore, the dietary fiber in green peas can help to promote digestive health by regulating bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation. Additionally, green peas have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, decreasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Overall, consuming green peas can help to improve many aspects of your health, making them a great addition to any diet.
How to Cook Green Peas
To cook green peas, simply add them to boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender. After cooking, drain the water and rinse the peas with cool water to stop the cooking process. Green peas can also be steamed, microwaved, or roasted in the oven. They can be eaten on their own as a side dish, or added to soups, stews, salads, and other recipes. Be sure to avoid overcooking green peas, as this can lead to a loss of nutrients and a mushy texture.
Green peas are low in calories but packed with essential nutrients. For example, 100g of cooked and drained green peas contains approximately 81 calories, 5.4g of protein, 0.4g of fat, 14.5g of carbohydrates, and 5.6g of fiber. In addition to these macronutrients, green peas also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, iron, and calcium. They are also a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Overall, green peas are a nutritious food that can help to promote better health and wellbeing.
Green Peas and Weight Loss
Green peas are a low-calorie food that can help to fill you up without contributing too many calories to your diet. This means that consuming green peas can be an effective way to reduce your overall caloric intake, helping to support weight loss. Furthermore, green peas are high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer periods of time. This can help to reduce snacking and overeating, further supporting a healthy weight. Overall, incorporating green peas into your diet can be a useful tool for weight loss and weight management.
Green Peas and Heart Health
Green peas are high in dietary fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This, in turn, can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, green peas are also a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), another risk factor for heart disease. Overall, consuming green peas can be a useful tool for promoting better heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Green Peas and Digestive Health
Green peas are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote better digestive health by regulating bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation. Additionally, the fiber in green peas can also help to nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria that can support better digestive function. Overall, incorporating green peas into your diet can be a simple way to support better digestive health and wellbeing.
Green Peas and Blood Sugar
Green peas are a low-glycemic-index food, which means that they cause a slow and steady rise in blood sugar levels, rather than a rapid spike and subsequent crash. This makes green peas a good choice for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the fiber in green peas can help to slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, further promoting better blood sugar control. Overall, consuming green peas can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes.
Green Peas and Eye Health
Green peas are a good source of several nutrients that can support better eye health, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and lutein. Lutein, in particular, is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Overall, incorporating green peas into your diet can be a useful way to support better eye health and reduce the risk of vision loss over time.
Green Peas: A Good Source of Protein
Green peas are a surprisingly good source of plant-based protein, containing approximately 5.4g of protein per 100g serving (cooked and drained). This makes them a good choice for individuals looking to increase their protein intake, particularly those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Furthermore, green peas contain a range of essential amino acids, making them a complete protein that can support muscle growth and repair. Overall, adding green peas to your diet can be a simple way to boost your protein intake and support better overall health and wellbeing.
Green Peas Recipe Ideas
- Add green peas to soups and stews for a nutritious and satisfying addition. - Make a pea and mint hummus for a delicious and healthy snack. - Toss green peas into salads for a pop of color and nutrition.
Green peas are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can support better health in a range of ways. Whether you're looking to lose weight, improve heart health, support digestive function, or simply add more nutrition to your diet, green peas are an excellent choice.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Green Peas
1. How many calories are in 100g of cooked green peas?
100g of cooked green peas without salt contain approximately 84 calories.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of cooked green peas?
Cooked green peas are a great source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
3. How should cooked green peas be stored?
Cooked green peas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
4. How can cooked green peas be incorporated into a healthy diet?
Cooked green peas can be used in a variety of ways, such as adding them to salads, soups, stews, and casseroles. They can also be mashed and used as a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes.
5. Can cooked green peas be frozen?
Yes, cooked green peas can be frozen for up to 8-10 months. To freeze, allow them to cool completely and then place in an airtight container or freezer bag.