Dried Peas and Their Nutritional Benefits

Dried peas are actually a part of the legume family. A serving of one cup has a lot of nutrients in it. One of the first nutrients dried peas contain is molybdenum. This is a mineral that plays a role in the cells and the production of energy in our bodies. Molybdenum also helps the health of nerves. In a serving of dried peas, you'll receive 147 micrograms of this mineral which is well over half of your daily allowance needed.

This food is also quite rich source of dietary fiber. One cup contains 16 grams in a serving, which provides us with a lot of roughage and promotes better colon health. This food serves as a great type of natural laxative for people.

Dried peas are also a good source of protein in a vegetarian diet plan. Protein included in this food is over 16 grams per serving size. We all need protein to support the chain of amino acids, and for body tissue health. Whether you realize it or not, your fingernails and hair are created of mostly proteins. Protein is a definite macro nutrient in the body, and supports bone health as well. You'll get nearly 30 percent of your daily allowance.

Tryptophan is another part of our amino acid chain that our body needs, 20 in all. You'll reap over 50 percent of this amino acid by eating dried peas. This amino acid is essential to babies and kids for normal growth, and adults for balancing out nitrogen in the body. There is 0.18 grams of this amino acid in dried peas.

Dried peas contain manganese. Manganese is what acts as a processor for all key nutrients in the body including the metabolizing of glucose and carbohydrates. Manganese moves thiamine around the body correctly, another vital mineral and helps us to metabolize fats. One serving has 0.78 milligrams of this water-soluble vitamin.

The Vitamin B1 is provided in dried peas. This vitamin is water soluble and part of your body's energy source. Thiamine is also in control of nerve and enzymes that are connected to the muscles in the body. When you eat a cup serving of this legume, you'll get 0.37 milligrams of this vitamin which is good.

Dried peas also have LOTS of fiber! You will get almost your total daily allowance of this nutrient since it gives over 16 grams of fiber per serving. Fiber is vital to intestinal health and roughage, and does a lot for colon functions.

Folate is part of a water soluble vitamin. This is part of the B vitamin group that serves as protection from anemia. It plays a big role in healthy cellular function.

Potassium, an absolutely vital electrolyte in the body, is abundant in eating dried peas with over 709 milligrams per serving. Potassium is something that the body needs for fluid balances, muscle energy, and for the regulation of fluid levels.

Last but not least, there is phosphorus in dried peas which gives you 194 milligrams per serving size each. It is also key in helping us process our Vitamin K, another vitamin needed for the proper clotting of blood.

You can enjoy getting dried peas in a serving of split pea soup. This is about the best way to get them into your diet and the tastiest!