Small Foods Can Play a Large Role in Good Health
By Tom Herrin
In America, we live in a land of plenty. We are very fortunate in that there is a large variety of almost everything. So many choices are a great thing. In foods, it is possible to find just about anything that can be imagined. With this said, making good choices is very difficult for many people. So many things can be had in minutes without wait. One thing that may be added to almost any meal that can make it healthier is peas. Even though a lot of people turn their noses up at the thought, it would be wise for them to think again.
They May Help with Blood Sugar
Adding peas to meals can do a lot for overall quality. They are low in fat, which is always a good thing. They are high in protein. They are also full of fiber and low in calories. This means they can be quite filling in that they can make people feel full longer. A cup is less than 100 calories so having more than one helping is no big deal.
They May Help Prevent Heart Disease
Many times, people suffer from heart problems that are directly related to issues that affect the blood vessels. Inflammation and hardening are possibly the two most common problems. Peas contain good amounts of several vitamins, particularly in the B group, which help reduce homocysteine levels in the body. This can help to fight inflammation as well as those things that contribute to the buildup of plaque. This keeps pressure off of the heart and allows it to function with less stress.
They May Help Bones
It appears that one cup of peas can provide almost half of the daily requirement for Vitamin K. Since they also have quite a bit of those B vitamins, they can boost bone growth and development. The added benefit of the fiber is a help in preventing constipation. This is a problem for many of us that can often lead to other stomach or colon problems. If you don’t like peas, you may not have really given them a try. My mother used to prepare a pea salad. After years of avoiding them, I decided to give them a try. They were far better than I had anticipated, so they actually became a favorite. Give peas a try. You may surprise yourself and get healthier at the same time.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, N.J.