White peas, also known as Safed matar are produced by harvesting the pea pods and green peas when they become fully mature are dried followed by their skin removal, after which they split naturally. When dried, the deep green colour of the peas turns slightly yellowish-white or white. These dried peas are harder with a more delicate flavour. Since green peas are unavailable around the year, white peas are a healthy replacement for them.
White peas are most often confused with chickpeas (garbanzo beans), however they can be easily distinguished owing to their spherical shape, small size, and white colour as compared to the latter’s bigger size and yellow colour. White peas though belong to the beans and lentils family, they are easily separated into other groups due to the difference in the ways they are prepared. In this article, we will further discuss the white pea’s benefits.
1. Reduces cholesterol
White peas are a good source of cholesterol reducing fibre. The fibre shows a positive impact on cholesterol levels by reducing the LDL and total cholesterol in the body. The presence of minerals and multiple vitamins such as Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamin B in white peas helps in increasing the good cholesterol and it benefits the heart.
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2. Helps in reducing weight
White peas are high in dietary fibre and protein. When consumed, they help in reducing the belly fat by lowering the appetite and maintaining balanced gut biota and promoting the health of the digestive system.
3. Stabilizes glucose levels
Dried peas are rich in proteins, fibre and phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. They possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties which manage the level of glucose and keep the pancreas healthy from free radicals harmful effects. This helps in managing diabetes and preventing its risk.
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4. Helps in preventing constipation
Fibre-rich foods are great for an intestinal bacteria and bowel movement. It reduces the risk of constipation. The good amount of protein and minerals present in white peas helps in maintaining the digestive health.
5. Good for health of heart
Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids in white peas act as an important antioxidants and help in keeping heart healthy from various oxidative stress diseases such as stroke and atherosclerosis. The fibre present in this food item prevents high blood pressure.
6. Prevents anaemia
White peas are packed with iron. They increase the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body and prevent the risk of anaemia which is a disease caused due to the deficiency of iron. It also helps in fighting the symptoms of iron deficiency such as fatigue.
7. Great source of Vitamin B
Safed matar is a good source of Vitamin B3 and B1. Vitamin B is very essential for the release of energy, maintaining muscle strength, and improving vision and helps with mood swings while vitamin B3 helps with maintaining the functionality of cells and improves brain function.