Green peas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. With just 78 calories in a 100g serving (with salt, frozen, drained, cooked, boiled), they're a perfect choice for those watching their calorie intake.
In addition to being low in calories, green peas are also a great source of fiber, providing about 16% of your daily recommended intake in just one cup. Peas are also packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron.
In this article, we'll explore the many health benefits of green peas, how to incorporate them into your cooking, and some fun facts and trivia about this versatile vegetable.
Calorie Content of Green Peas
As mentioned earlier, green peas are a low-calorie food, with just 78 calories in a 100g serving. This makes them an excellent choice for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet. It's worth noting that the calorie content of green peas can vary depending on how they are prepared and cooked. For example, adding butter or other toppings can significantly increase the calorie count. However, if you stick to simple preparations, such as boiling or steaming, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of green peas without adding excessive calories to your diet.
Green Peas: A Rich Source of Fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining digestive health and preventing chronic diseases. Green peas are an excellent source of fiber, with one cup providing about 16% of your daily recommended intake. In addition to promoting digestive health, a diet high in fiber has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Green Peas: Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Green peas are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. In particular, peas are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost immunity and promote healthy skin. Vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting and bone health. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. And iron is necessary for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Green Peas: Low in Fat and Cholesterol
Unlike many other sources of protein, such as meat and dairy products, green peas are naturally low in fat and cholesterol. This makes them an excellent choice for those following a heart-healthy diet or looking to reduce their saturated fat intake. Additionally, peas contain plant-based compounds known as phytosterols, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.
Green Peas: Great for Weight Management
As we mentioned earlier, green peas are a low-calorie, high-fiber food that can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. In addition to their fiber content, peas also contain a unique combination of protein and carbohydrates that can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent overeating. Research suggests that regularly consuming peas and other legumes may even help with weight loss and weight management over time.
Green Peas: Boosts Immunity and Energy
Green peas are a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help boost your immunity and energy levels. Specifically, peas are high in vitamin C, which is essential for preventing and fighting off infections. They are also a good source of iron and other B-vitamins, which are necessary for producing energy and maintaining cognitive function.
Green Peas: Perfect for a Balanced Diet
Adding green peas to your diet is an easy and delicious way to ensure that you're getting a wide range of essential nutrients. Peas can be eaten on their own as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or mixed into salads and pasta dishes. They're also a great vegetarian source of protein, making them a smart choice for those following a plant-based or vegan diet.
Green Peas: Versatile Ingredient for Cooking
Not only are green peas nutritious, but they're also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Peas can be used in a wide range of recipes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. They can be the star of the dish, or simply a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes. Additionally, they're easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of cooking time to become tender and delicious.
Green Peas: Easy to Prepare and Store
Preparing and storing green peas is a breeze, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknight meals. To prepare fresh peas, simply shell them from the pod and rinse them under cold water. If using frozen peas, they can be thawed in the refrigerator or cooked straight from frozen. Once cooked, peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to six months.
Green Peas: Fun Facts and Trivia
Did you know that green peas are technically a fruit, not a vegetable? Or that they were first cultivated in the Middle East over 5,000 years ago? Additionally, green peas were once considered a luxury item, only available to the wealthy. However, with the advent of new farming techniques and modern transportation, peas are now a common and affordable staple in many kitchens around the world.
Peas are not just an excellent source of plant-based protein, they're also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Green Peas
1. How many calories are in cooked green peas?
A 100-gram serving of cooked green peas contains around 78 calories.
2. Are cooked green peas a good source of nutrition?
Yes, cooked green peas are a good source of nutrition. They are high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
3. How can I cook green peas?
You can cook green peas by boiling, steaming, or microwaving them. To boil, add the peas to a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 2-3 minutes. To steam, place the peas in a steamer basket and steam for 3-5 minutes. To microwave, place the peas in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water and microwave for 2-3 minutes.
4. Can I eat green peas if I have a food allergy?
If you have a food allergy to peas, then you should avoid eating green peas as they are a member of the legume family. If you are unsure if you have a food allergy, speak to your doctor or an allergist to get tested.
5. What are some ways to use cooked green peas in recipes?
Cooked green peas can be used in a variety of recipes, such as soups, stews, salads, casseroles, and pasta dishes. They also make a great side dish when seasoned with herbs, lemon juice, or olive oil.