Benefits of Sweet Peas on Your Health

It is fair to say that sweet peas are a favorite in homes around the globe. In fact there are lots of benefits of sweet peas. Their sweet, plump taste and texture make them easy to combine with many other ingredients to create delicious dishes. They are often confused with snap peas and other varieties because they are enclosed in a green pod as well. However, sweet peas pack more nutrition than most of their counterparts.

Types of Nutrients in Sweet Peas

Sweet peas provide an impressive inventory of nutrients. Not only are they fibrous, they contain a number of vitamins. Among these are vitamins B, C and K. Their mineral profile includes high amounts of manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium. Traces of protein and choline have also been found in sweet peas.

Benefits of Sweet Peas:

Sweet Peas and Digestion

This variety of peas is one of the few sweet foods that contain plenty of dietary fiber. Adding sweet peas to your dishes regularly can remedy difficult and irregular bowel movements. They also help digest other foods and aid in the absorption of nutrients. If you suffer from chronic digestive complications, pair sweet peas with whole grains and other fibrous vegetables for maximum relief.

Sweet Peas and Weight Loss

Dieters tend to avoid eating sweet peas because of the assumption that they might have too much sugar and carbohydrates. However, sweet peas only contain 50-60 calories per ½ cup. You can add them to your weight loss meal plan to curb sugar cravings without raising your blood sugar. Stick to small portions to avoid extra calories.

Metabolism and thyroid function are two major aspects of weight loss. If your metabolism is slow or the thyroid malfunctions, losing weight can be challenging. Fortunately, sweet peas contain good amounts of copper and vitamin B to regulate metabolism and ensure your thyroid glands are performing their duties.

Sweet Peas and Bone Health

There are a number of nutrients in sweet peas that play an important role in bone health. These are manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. To build bones, certain enzymes need to be activated. These nutrients, especially manganese, do just that. Combined with copper, sweet peas can also strengthen the connective muscle in joints, and prevent arthritis.

Sweet Peas and the Heart

One of the good benefits of sweet peas is its effect on heart health. People with heart disease can gain a lot from enjoying sweet peas regularly. Copper is a powerful mineral that can steady your heart beat and lower the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. When vitamins C and K, as well as zinc come into play, they can help repair some of the damage on your heart and reduce symptoms significantly.

Cooking with Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are a delight in the kitchen because they are very versatile. Some prefer them raw, but if you like tender peas, boil them in small amounts of water. Peas should be cooked for only a few minutes, otherwise they can become mushy. You can purchase them fresh from the market, or canned at grocery stores. Whether you puree them to make tasty soups or add them to mashed potatoes, sweet peas can be enjoyed in many ways.

Here are some recipe suggestions that make use of sweet peas: