If you are looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal that is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, look no further than split peas. At just 118 calories per 100g serving, split peas are a great choice for weight loss and long-term health. And with their versatility and budget-friendly price, they are an excellent ingredient to keep on hand for all your cooking needs.
Not only are split peas low in calories, but they are also rich in dietary fiber, with 8g per serving. This makes them an ideal food for promoting digestive health and reducing your risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Additionally, split peas are a great source of plant-based protein, containing over 9g per serving. They also provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
Whether you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into your meals, split peas are a delicious and nutritious choice. In this article, we'll explore some of the many benefits of split peas and share some tips for using this versatile ingredient in your cooking.
Low in Calories
With just 118 calories per 100g serving, split peas are a great foundation for any low-calorie meal plan. Their high fiber and protein content also make them a filling and satisfying choice, helping you to avoid overeating and snacking between meals. Whether you are looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or simply eat more healthily, incorporating split peas into your diet is a great way to achieve your goals. Try adding split peas to soups, stews, or salads for a delicious and satisfying meal that won't break the calorie bank.
Rich in Fiber
As mentioned above, split peas are an excellent source of fiber, with 8g per serving. This makes them an ideal food for promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. Additionally, fiber has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. By incorporating more fiber-rich foods like split peas into your diet, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic illness. So whether you are looking to boost your fiber intake or simply enjoy the many health benefits of fiber-rich foods, split peas are an excellent choice.
Packed with Protein
If you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or simply looking to reduce your intake of animal products, split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein. With over 9g of protein per 100g serving, split peas provide a satisfying and nutritious alternative to meat-based protein sources. And because they are low in fat and calories, you can enjoy them without worrying about your waistline. Include split peas in your meals to promote muscle growth, support healthy bones, and maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to their fiber and protein content, split peas are also a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. For example, split peas contain iron, which is essential for healthy blood and strong immunity. They also provide calcium for supporting healthy bones and teeth, and vitamin C for boosting the immune system and supporting healthy skin. By incorporating split peas into your diet, you can ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health and wellbeing.
Versatile Ingredient
One of the great things about split peas is their versatility in the kitchen. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes. Try using split peas to add texture and protein to your favorite recipes, or experiment with different flavor combinations to create new and exciting dishes. With their mild flavor and ability to absorb other flavors, split peas are a perfect ingredient for adding a healthy twist to your favorite comfort foods.
Great for Weight Loss
As mentioned earlier, split peas are a low-calorie and high-protein food that can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight over time. By incorporating split peas into your meals, you can reduce your overall calorie intake while still feeling full and satisfied. This can help you avoid overeating and snacking between meals, which can lead to weight gain over time. Try incorporating split peas into your favorite recipes for a healthy and delicious weight loss option.
Thanks to their high fiber content, split peas are an excellent food for promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. Fiber helps to keep things moving through your digestive system, preventing blockages and promoting healthy elimination. Additionally, fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer. If you struggle with digestive issues or are looking to improve your overall digestive health, consider incorporating split peas into your diet.
May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Some studies have indicated that the soluble fiber in split peas may help to reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. By binding with cholesterol in the gut, fiber can prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to lower overall cholesterol levels. Additionally, the protein in split peas may also help to lower cholesterol and promote heart health. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, incorporating split peas into your diet is a simple and delicious way to support heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Easy to Prepare
Another great thing about split peas is how easy they are to prepare. Simply rinse them under cold water and add them to your favorite recipe. Whether you are making a soup, stew, or salad, split peas cook quickly and easily, making them a perfect weeknight meal option. And because they are so versatile, you can create a wide variety of delicious meals using split peas. Try experimenting with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy split peas.
Budget-Friendly
Finally, split peas are a great ingredient for anyone looking to eat healthily on a budget. Not only are split peas affordable and readily available, but they are also incredibly nutritious, providing a range of essential vitamins and minerals at a low cost. And because they are so versatile, you can create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals using split peas, without breaking the bank. So if you are looking to eat healthily without spending a fortune, consider adding split peas to your weekly meal plan.
Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. By incorporating simple, affordable foods like split peas into your meals, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing while staying within your budget.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Split Peas
1. What Are Split Peas?
Split peas are mature peas that have been dried, split in half, and had their outer hulls removed. They are commonly used in soups and stews and are high in protein and fiber.
2. How Do You Cook Split Peas?
To cook split peas, rinse them in cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
3. Are Split Peas Nutritious?
Yes, split peas are a nutritious food. They are low in fat and calories but high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein for vegetarians and vegans.
4. What Are Some Recipes That Use Split Peas?
Split peas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Some popular recipes include split pea soup, split pea dal, split pea hummus, split pea salad, and split pea patties.
5. How Should Cooked Split Peas be Stored?
Cooked split peas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months. To prevent freezer burn, be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag.