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Are Peas Good for You?

Yes, peas are good for you.

More Info: Peas contain dietary fiber, protein, IU vitamin A, and folate.  Peas are listed as one of the top 100 medicinal foods in The Complete Book of Nutritional Healing.

Nutritional Data for Peas

(1 cup cooked fresh peas)

Calories: 134

Protein:  8.6 g

Total Fat: .4g

Carbohydrate:  25 g

Fiber: 8.8 g

Cholesterol: 0

Copper: .3 mg (33% DRI)

Folate: 101 mcg (25% DRI)

Iron: 2.5 mg (18% DRI)

Niacin: 3.2 mg (25% DRI)

Manganese: .8 g (40% DRI)

Vitamin B-6: .3 g (20% DRI)

Vitamin C: 23 g (26% DRI)

Vitamin K: 41.4 mcg (39% AI)

Riboflavin: .2 g (16% DRI)

Thiamin: .4 g (33% DRI)

Zinc: 1.9 g (21 DRI)

Health Benefits of Legumes

There have been numerous research studies on the health effects of ingesting legumes in place in of foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars.  Though many of the studies are preliminary, they are showing great promise.

• As a low-glycemic index food, legumes may have the ability to protect against glucose intolerance.
  
  
• A 19 year study revealed that those who ate peas, peanuts, and dry beans at least four times per week were 21% less likely to be at risk for coronary heart disease.
  
  
• Increasing intake of dry beans can lower total cholesterol by 6-7%.
  
  
• Legume consumption may reduce the risk of certain cancers.