If you're looking for a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable to include in your diet, look no further than 1 oz of cooked snowpeas (pea pods, from fresh). At just 17 calories per serving, snowpeas are a great addition to any meal. And as we'll explore in this article, they offer a variety of health benefits too.
In addition to their low calorie count, snowpeas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
Whether you eat them raw, blanched, or cooked, snowpeas are a versatile and delicious way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of including snowpeas in your diet.
Rich source of nutrients
As mentioned, snowpeas are packed with a variety of nutrients that are essential for health. One cup of snowpeas contains about 2.6 grams of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods. And with over 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, snowpeas help support bone health and blood clotting. Additionally, snowpeas contain manganese, an important trace mineral that helps support cognitive function, regulate blood sugar levels, and support bone health. And while they may not be a significant source of other nutrients, such as vitamin A or potassium, every little bit counts when it comes to maintaining overall health. Including snowpeas in your diet is an easy way to increase your intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals without adding a lot of calories.
Low in calories
At just 17 calories per serving, snowpeas are a great addition to any weight loss or calorie-conscious diet. They can also help increase satiety and reduce hunger, thanks to their fiber content. Fiber takes longer to digest than other nutrients, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the likelihood of overeating. Additionally, snowpeas can be used as a substitute for higher calorie foods in recipes, such as stir-fries or salads. Swapping out high-calorie ingredients for snowpeas can help reduce the total calorie count of the meal without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Incorporating low-calorie, high-fiber foods like snowpeas into your diet is an effective strategy for weight loss and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Good for digestion
Thanks to their high fiber content, snowpeas are great for supporting healthy digestion. Fiber helps move food through the digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements, which can reduce the risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive discomforts. Additionally, the fiber in snowpeas can help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can promote a healthy microbiome and reduce the risk of inflammation and disease. If you're looking to support optimal digestive health, be sure to include plenty of high-fiber foods like snowpeas in your diet.
Supports healthy vision
Snowpeas contain high amounts of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help protect the eyes against age-related degeneration and maintain healthy vision. Specifically, the antioxidants in snowpeas can help prevent oxidative damage to the eyes, which can contribute to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, vitamin C helps support the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for maintaining the structure of the eye. To keep your eyes healthy and functioning at their best, consider adding snowpeas to your diet.
Boosts immunity
As mentioned, snowpeas are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is essential for immune function. Vitamin C helps promote the production of white blood cells, which are key players in the body's immune response to infection and disease. Additionally, the antioxidants in snowpeas can help protect the body against oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of chronic disease. By including snowpeas in your diet, you can help support optimal immune function and reduce the risk of infection and illness. To give your immune system a boost, be sure to include plenty of vitamin C-rich foods, like snowpeas, in your diet.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels
The fiber and manganese in snowpeas can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Fiber helps slow down the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, which can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, manganese helps support the production of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. By including snowpeas in your diet, you can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
Thanks to their high vitamin K content, snowpeas are great for promoting bone health and reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of osteocalcin, a protein that is necessary for bone health. By including snowpeas in your diet, you can help support the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. To keep your bones strong and healthy, be sure to include vitamin K-rich foods, like snowpeas, in your diet.
Contains antioxidants
Snowpeas are a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Specifically, snowpeas contain high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body. They also contain smaller amounts of other antioxidants, such as vitamin A and flavonoids. To maximize the benefits of antioxidants, it's important to consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, including snowpeas.
Reduces risk of heart disease
Thanks to their high fiber and antioxidant content, snowpeas can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote optimal cardiovascular health. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to and removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. This can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the antioxidants in snowpeas can help protect against oxidative damage to the heart and blood vessels. To protect your heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, be sure to include plenty of high-fiber, antioxidant-rich foods like snowpeas in your diet.
Versatile cooking options
Snowpeas are a versatile and delicious addition to a variety of recipes. They can be eaten raw, blanched, or cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-fries, salads, soups, and more. To cook snowpeas, simply remove the fibrous string that runs along the edge of the pea pod and add them to your favorite recipe. They only take a few minutes to cook and can be combined with a variety of other ingredients to create a healthy and flavorful meal. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
Snowpeas are a delicious and nutritious way to boost your intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They're low in calories but high in flavor, making them a great addition to any meal.
5 FAQs about Cooked Snowpea (Pea Pod, from Fresh)
1. What are the benefits of eating snowpeas?
Snowpeas are a low-calorie vegetable that is high in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and vitamin K. They are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
2. How do you cook snowpeas?
You can cook snowpeas by blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes or stir-frying them with other vegetables and proteins. They can also be eaten raw in salads or as a crunchy snack.
3. Are snowpeas a good choice for weight loss?
Yes, snowpeas are a great choice for weight loss as they are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. They are also a great source of plant-based protein, which can help support healthy weight management.
4. Are snowpeas safe for people with food allergies?
Snowpeas are part of the legume family, which can be a common allergen for some people. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, it is important to speak with your doctor before consuming snowpeas or any other new foods.
5. How can I incorporate snowpeas into my diet?
Snowpeas can be added to stir-fries, soups, salads, and omelets for a boost of nutrition and texture. They can also be eaten raw with hummus or other dips as a healthy snack.