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Page 83
| thiamin-rich liver. That's significant because thiamin is often shortchanged in the American diet. The elderly, people under stress, and heavy drinkers are especially liable to have borderline thiamin levels; deficiency can lead to depression, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and memory problems. Studies indicate that people who ingest higher levels of B 1 improve in all these areas. |
| Colorful Cancer Fighters |
| Chlorophyllin, the pigment that makes peas green, does double duty as a cancer preventer. It latches on to cancer-causing free radicals and helps shepherd them out of the body before they can do any cellular damage. |
| Fiber-Rich Benefits |
| Peas provide more than 4 grams of soluble fiber per half-cup serving. Pea fiber is powerful stuff: studies show that it helps reduce levels of triglycerides, a factor in heart disease. It also helps reduce cholesterol, especially the dangerous LDL cholesterol that can lead to arteriosclerosis. |
| Another benefit: the fiber in peas slows down digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels, which is particularly helpful to diabetics. |
| Tips: |
| Garden peas have more thiamin than sugar snap peas or snow peas. All three are good sources of iron and fiber. |
| Frozen peas retain a high levels of nutrientscanned peas don't. Steam rather than boil peas to retain the most nutrients. |
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