What are the benefits and harms of peas for humans?
Many people love to enjoy sweet and tender fresh green peas. For this purpose, gardeners grow it on their plots. But this vegetable is not only consumed in its raw form. Peas are canned, frozen and dried. Let's figure out the benefits and harms of peas for human health, and in what quantities this product can be consumed.
Useful properties of peas
Among all vegetables, peas and lentils occupy a leading position in protein content.. The amino acids that make up this vegetable are similar to animal proteins. This makes peas an indispensable product in the diet of vegetarians and people who observe religious fasts during those periods of time when they cannot eat meat.
What vitamins and minerals are in peas:
| Peas contain | Effect on the body |
| Vitamins B, B2, PP, A, C, E, H, pyridoxine (B6) | Vitamins essential for the human body. To get the maximum effect, it is better not to heat treat the peas.
Pyridoxine ensures the breakdown and synthesis of essential amino acids. With its deficiency, seizures and skin dermatitis may occur. |
| Selenium, iron, potassium, calcium, fluorine, manganese, sulfur, zinc, etc. | Selenium protects the body from heavy radioactive metals. Iron helps increase hemoglobin in the blood. Calcium nourishes bone tissue. |
Regular consumption of peas strengthens the cardiovascular system. This reduces the risk of heart attack and hypertension.
Important! The beneficial substances contained in peas accelerate the rate of metabolism in the human body. And lipid, and carbohydrate, and protein.
How to use
Traditionally, peas are consumed in four types:
- fresh;
- frozen;
- canned;
- dried.
In Russia, fresh peas are grown from July to August.
Frozen peas are available all year round in almost any store.. It can be boiled, fried, stewed or baked. They eat it both as an independent side dish and as an addition to other dishes.
What are the benefits of boiled peas? It has a lot of fiber and fiber. This means it is good for digestion. In addition, pea decoction is a good antiseptic. It is used as an auxiliary folk remedy for skin diseases. Boiled peas also help with heartburn.
Not only fresh and dry peas or pea broth are good, but also pea flour. It is made by grinding dried peas. One tablespoon of flour per day, added to other foods, will improve food processing and relieve constipation. Two teaspoons of flour after meals - this recipe will help get rid of headaches. You can also treat cuts and wounds with pea flour.
For diabetes
Fresh peas have a glycemic index of 50 units. This is the average GI level. Canned ones have about 45. But split dry peas are considered a product with a low glycemic index. It is equal to 25. Therefore it is allowed to use peas for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Note. The glycemic index shows how quickly the food eaten is converted into glucose and absorbed by the human body.
The product has another useful property for diabetics. When cooked, peas can reduce the glycemic index of foods, prepared with it.
In cosmetology
The beneficial properties of peas are also used in cosmetology. It is made from:
- masks that improve complexion and reduce unwanted skin pigmentation;
- mixtures for the prevention of acne and swelling of the face.
What are the benefits of peas in weight loss diets?
Those who want to lose weight should pay attention to this dietary legume product. Its fresh calorie content is only 55 calories per 100 g. If peas are cooked, their calorie content will increase to 60 kcal. But dried peas have a high calorie content: there are about 300 calories per 100 g. Therefore, if you are overweight, you should be wary of dried peas.
Interesting on the topic:
When are peas harmful?
Both raw and processed Peas cause increased gas formation. Therefore, it has contraindications in large quantities.
Peas can cause allergies. For those who have previously shown a tendency to allergic reactions in the body, it is better to avoid this product.
For whom peas are not recommended:
- pregnant women;
- To old people;
- people suffering from gout;
- patients during periods of exacerbation of diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Norms for pea consumption
How many peas is recommended to eat? To provide the body with everything useful that is in peas, it is advisable to eat about 100-150 g of this product per day. It is better to use fresh or frozen peas. Regular consumption of such a dose will allow you to get rid of toxins, enrich your diet with micro- and macroelements, and provide the body with easily digestible protein of plant origin.
Conclusion
Peas are an excellent source of protein. Its biological characteristics make it similar to meat protein. But at the same time it is much easier to absorb by the body. >The beneficial properties of green peas for the body are undeniable; they contain many vitamins and nutrients. In addition, it is low in calories and has a low glycemic index. All this makes peas an indispensable product for people who care about their health, including those who want to lose weight.
Even if you are not attracted by the usefulness of peas, still use them in your menu; they are tasty as an independent product, as well as in many meat dishes and salads.