“Muttar chilne ka time aa gaya!😅” says Bhagyashree, and we all know what that means. Winter is here, and so is the season for fresh green vegetables. From healthy leaves to rooted and sprouted produce, our grocery baskets during the colder months are stacked with veggies that are not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. The actor, who chooses to spotlight traditional Indian foods on her social media, explores the goodness of peas, an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans, in her latest post.
“The best peas in winter are the ones from Jaipur. They are actually priced according to their size. The smaller they are, the sweeter and the more expensive….but they taste sooooo good. My lot for the season has just come in,” she mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post.
But are peas really that healthy?
Madhvi Datwani, the CEO and co-founder of Green Protein, told indianexpress.com that pea protein is derived from split peas, a kind of lentil, and is used as a supplement, in protein shakes, smoothies, energy beverages, and more. CV Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, added that green peas are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and reduce oxidative stress.
How does it benefit your health?
Experts shared the health benefits of adding peas to your daily diet:
Rich in enzymes: Pea protein is great at providing you with a strong and steady supply of enzymes that your body uses to produce energy, transport nutrients, and more. A consistent amount helps your body carry out key tasks with ease. Furthermore, pea protein is easy on the gut.
Less allergy risk: Naturally vegan and gluten-free, pea protein is devoid of any allergy-causing ingredients. It’s free of wheat, eggs, peanuts, and contains just pure pea. It works with all diets. It can be quite appetising as well.
Reduces blood pressure: The protein in peas helps lower cholesterol and even lower blood pressure, all while being easy on the kidneys. It’s great for those with underlying heart conditions. Pea protein is also free of some pesky additions found in whey or traditional sources of protein.
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Weight loss: It helps regulate appetite and aids in weight loss. It’s a low-calorie item that’s free of harmful, unhealthy fats. It’s likely to keep you full for longer.
Restore skin youth: Peas contain “skin-friendly nutrients,” including vitamin B6, C, and folate (folic acid). These nutrients can help reduce inflammation and free radical damage, which can rob the skin of its natural stores of collagen and elastin. The flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, carotenoid and alpha-carotene in peas also exhibit anti-ageing effects.
Keeps insulin in check: Peas have a relatively low glycemic index (GI is a measure of how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating a specific food), which makes it a good fit for diabetics. Peas are also rich in fibre and protein, which slow the digestion of carbohydrates and keep a person fuller for longer. It also helps stabilise the sugar levels.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
