Split peas, whether yellow or green, are very beneficial for our health. These peas are dried, peeled and split seeds of Pisum sativum. They are rich in protein, fiber, many vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat. Split peas are commonly used to make split pea soup. You can buy them in whole form or as split dried peas. You should not confuse the split peas with split pigeon peas (Indian toor dal) or with split yellow gram (chickpeas) though they belong to the family of beans and legumes. This is low dense energy food which is a variety of field peas that naturally split in half when they are dried. Here are some health benefits of split peas:
Split peas help with IBS
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It can help to deal with digestive disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These peas are diverticulosis because they are rich in soluble fiber content. Those people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are often advised to have a diet which is rich more in soluble fiber than insoluble fiber because the soluble fiber works as a bulking agent and at the same time, it allows stools to pass easily.
Split peas promote weight control
It is rich in fiber and protein which can help you to deal in your weight loss efforts. Even a small portion of split peas can make you to feel full for longer. Split peas are rich in vitamins (like Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B5) and minerals (like zinc, magnesium, iron and folate). Also, they are fat – free. This food is a good source of proteins for vegetarians and vegans. Split peas are low in calories but they can give you energy due to its complex carbohydrates. You can add cooked split peas in salads, soups, stews and even burgers to get their health benefits.
Improves heart health
It is very effective for the heart because they can help to reduce the plaque in your blood vessels and this can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Split peas have soluble fiber which can help to lower your blood cholesterol levels and this can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Split peas have potassium which can help to lower the blood pressure. It is known that the high blood pressure is cause for heart disease. Also, split peas have amino acid called tryptophan which can help your body to produce serotonin which in turn can help to regulate your sleep and it can improve your mood.
Reduces sulfite sensitivity
Sulfite sensitivity can cause many different symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache and rapid heartbeat and all of them are caused by the intake of foods containing sulfates. In many cases, sulfates are added as preservatives in processed foods, such as vinegar, starches, syrups, potato chips, jams, baked goods, etc. Those people who suffer from asthma are more prone to sulfite sensitivity. Split peas have trace mineral called molybdenum which can help in the detoxification of sulfites. In a cup of cooled split peas there are almost twice of the daily recommended amount of molybdenum.
Regulates blood sugar levels
It is rich in fiber which can help to lower cholesterol levels but also it can regulate blood sugar levels. The soluble fiber present in the split peas can slow down the absorption of sugar and it can help to release the glucose slowly and steadily which will prevent a spike in the blood sugar. This will give you a sufficient and steady supply of energy. This is a reason why split peas are good food for people who suffer from diabetes.
Lower cholesterol levels
It is rich in soluble fiber which can help to reduce your cholesterol levels. The fiber forms a gel – like substance in your digestive tract so it binds the cholesterol – containing bile and it carries it out of the body.
Reduce cancer risk
It has isoflavones which can help to decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancers, especially prostate cancer and breast cancer. Isoflavones are type of plant estrogens so they mimic the hormones in the body. There are some studies in which are shown that isoflavones can help to reduce the hot flashes in menopausal women. It is rich in coumesterol which can lower the risk of receptor negative tumors.
