Peas are excellent sources of fiber and protein, and they are very popular ingredients for various side dishes. Are you aware that the young leaves of the plant that yields peas can also be included in the diet? Anybody who wants to live a long and healthy life should consume pea shoots as regularly as possible.
If you want to learn more about pea shoots, read on. Below you will come across some of the most important things you need to know about them, most especially the assortment of health perks they’re known to bring.
Just like what the name suggests, pea shoots are the tender immature leaves of the pea plant, usually the kind that yields snow peas or snap peas. If you are fond of Chinese cuisine, then it’s not unlikely that you have already consumed pea shoots many times in the past without you knowing it.
Pea shoots can be eaten raw by tossing them into a bowl of garden salad, or in the blender together with other fruits and vegetables. Oftentimes, they are quickly steamed, stir fried or sautéed, usually with garlic.
You are not going to have a hard time loving pea shoots because they have a very mild flavor. Many say that these tender leaves are just like baby spinach taste-wise. You can easily get your hands on pea shoots at your favorite Asian grocer, although more and more farmers’ markets are carrying them, too, these days.
Let’s take a look at some of the most incredible health benefits that you can get from pea shoots:
They Help Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetics and prediabetics alike should welcome pea shoots into their lives. That’s because these tender leafy vegetables can help in regulating the levels of sugar in the bloodstream. It is of utmost importance for anyone who suffers from diabetes and even those who are at risk of it to maintain normal levels of blood sugar to prevent problems.
They Control Inflammation Within the Body
Pea shoots contain certain compounds possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming them on a regular basis helps in managing inflammation, which is something that is linked to the development of an assortment of health problems, from obesity to cancer. Pea shoots also help in controlling joint inflammation.
They May Lower Heart Disease Risk
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease, experts say. One way to lower cholesterol is by regularly consuming fiber- and antioxidant-rich vegetables such as pea shoots. There is also potassium in every serving of pea shoots, and the said mineral is well-known to help in lowering the blood pressure.
They Increase Resistance to Infections
Pea shoots are excellent sources of vitamin C, and everyone knows that this nutrient is very good at strengthening the immune system. If you are very prone to ending up with the common cold or flu, you may have a weak immune system. But worry not because you can easily have it strengthened with pea shoots and other vitamin C-rich vegetables.
They Help Promote Elimination of Excess Pounds
If you are trying to lose unwanted weight, it’s a great idea for you to get rid of sugary and fatty foods, and then have them replaced with fruits and vegetables. Some of those that you should regularly include in your diet are pea shoots that are high in fiber, low in calories and free of fat. Make sure that you pair healthy eating with exercising!
Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media sites to let your vegetable-loving family and friends know, too, that it’s a wonderful idea to include pea shoots in the diet on a regular basis.
