Health Benefits Of Whole Green Peas

Whole Green peas are also known as Green Vatana or Matar. Belonging to the legume family whole peas are pale green in color and of an inch around. The scientific name of green peas is Pisum Sativum. Originated in the Middle East nearly 10,000 years back this vegetable has become quite popular all over the world especially in places like Canada, India, China, Mediterranean region and many European countries. Interestingly enough the cultivation of peas saved England from famine in 1555. In these days Canada is the largest producer and exporter of green peas.

 Green peas are very beneficial for your health. Take a look at its nutritive value per 100 gm.

 oCarbohydrates: 17.7 gm.
 oProtein: 6.7 gm.
 oVitamin A: 680 I.U.
 oVitamin B: Thiamine .34 mg.
 oVitamin C: 26 mg.
 oNiacin: 2.7 mg.
 oRiboflavin: .16 mg.
 oCalories: 98
 oFat: 4 gm.
 oPhosphorus: 122 mg.
 oCalcium: 22 mg.
 oIron: 1.9 mg.
 oPotassium: 200 mg.

 With such high nutritive value green peas are the source of a lot of goodness. They are starchy and sweet in taste. The best part is that the tine peas contain twice the protein of most of the vegetables. Three quarters cup of whole green peas offer 6 gm of protein, iron, calcium, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, thiamine and 645 units of Vitamin A. So they can easily replace meat.

 Since nature has packed so much goodness in green pea it is not surprising to know how much health benefit it can offer.

 1.Green peas help to reduce cholesterol level in the blood because they contain nicotinic acid.
 2.The Vitamin A and C content of green peas ensures the prevention of cancer.
 3.Green peas are capable of dissolving clumps of red blood cells. You will find the presence of lectins a special plant protein in peas. This plant protein prevents blood clotting.
 4.Also popularly known as body building food peas offer energy to your body.
 5.Green peas are also good for bone health.
 6.They contain insoluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol level and aids intestinal mobility.
 7.Green peas can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
 8.Green peas also contain lutein which helps to reduce the risk of cataracts as well as age related muscular degeneration.
 9.Green peas can prevent anemia due to its high content of iron which is absolutely essential for blood cell formation as well as function.

 Though whole green peas have several health benefits people having purine-related problem should avoid this vegetable. If you have kidney problems having peas is not good for you since green peas contain a substance called purines.