13. Peas
Fun fact – Peas aren’t technically a vegetable, instead they’re part of the legume family, like beans are. They’re an easy food to include in the diet and you’ll find them in fresh or frozen form. Peas are low on the glycaemic index (GI) with a GI of 39 which makes them a great choice for diabetics or people with blood sugar issues.
They also contain a good amount of fibre which not only keeps our bowels regular which can help flatten out our stomachs, but also helps to balance out blood glucose levels which in turn helps to stabilise hunger.
The fibre in peas supports good gut health and they are a filling, but low calorie option. They contain a high level of antioxidants which gives them many of their health benefits. The fibre in peas helps with digestion and may also help to protect against certain gut cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Peas can easily be added into soups, salads and cooked dishes.
Peas contain a very high amount of protein and pea based protein powders are a good choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to get more protein in their diet. They’re not a complete protein however and should be paired with foods such as beans to get the full range of amino acids.
