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Black eyed peas are popular in the south, or typically eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck. But did you know these little known peas are super packed with power for your entire body. Besides the fortune tale of good luck they bring on new years black eyed peas provide many other benefits, take a look at five reasons you should eat them more often. Courtesy of https://blackdoctor.org/

Fat Burner
Yes, black eyed peas can help you lose weight. In fact, black-eyed peas are a low-fat and low-calorie option, making them a healthy addition to any weight-loss plan. Canned options vary in content, but a 1/2 cup of black-eyed peas is generally less than 100 calories and contains about 1 g of fat. Black eyed peas provide many health benefits which help you lose weight, prevents weight gain and protects you from many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Protein Packed
Black-eyed peas are a great alternative source of protein if you’re trying to find other options than poultry to provide protein. Protein is important because it supports many parts of your body, including muscles, skin, hair and nails. In addition, protein helps cells grow and repair and provides energy to your body. A 1/2 cup of dry and cooked black-eyed peas contains 6.7 g of protein, and a 1/2 cup of canned black-eyed peas contains 5.7 g. Adding more protein to your diet helps you stay fuller longer with less calories consumed.

Iron Is Essential For Energy
A 1/2 cup of canned black-eyed peas has 1.2 mg of iron, while a 1/2 cup that has been cooked from dry black-eyed peas contains 2.2 mg of iron. Even more benefits of black eyed peas, 1 cup delivers 20 percent of the daily value of magnesium, calcium and iron. Getting adequate iron in your diet prevents anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. Iron is necessary to include in your daily consumption because it carries oxygen throughout your body to your organs, cells and muscles, and if  low you can experience fatigue and become lethargic. So beef up on your black eyed peas to keep you going.

Rich in B Vitamin
This particular variety of bean tops the list of Vitamin B9 or folate-rich foods! One cup of cooked black-eyed peas contains about 210 milligrams of folate, which is half the daily recommended intake of this nutrient for both genders. Studies show that folate sourced from food can cut your risk of pancreatic cancer by as much as 60 percent. Folate, which helps with cell formation, is especially important during pregnancy. Black-eyed peas also contain about 12 percent of your daily amount of thiamin, one of the B vitamins.

Potassium Booster
A 1/2 cup of dry and cooked black-eyed peas contains 239 mg of potassium, and the same amount from a can has 206 mg. Potassium is a nutrient that helps keep your blood pressure levels at healthy numbers, which lowers your risk of heart disease. Getting adequate potassium in your diet from black-eyed peas also supports the health of your muscles and bones.

Preparation Tips

Dried black-eyed peas are traditionally prepared with ham or bacon, onions and tomatoes. Whether you boil them at home or begin with canned, cooked black-eyed peas, you can use them just as you would other beans, from adding them to salads and soups to mashing them into a hummus-like spread. Mix them with one other vegetable, such as cucumbers or artichokes, and add your favorite dressing to make a side dish that highlights the black-eyed peas. From https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/

We Gathered A Few Of Our Favorite Ways To Prepare Black Eyed Peas

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is one recipe everyone raves about!

A fresh, simple dip that can be thrown together in under 15 minutes!

This Cowboy Caviar makes a great side dish for any picnic, potluck, or party, and is a great way to use up your summer produce!

Find the recipe here https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cowboy-caviar/

Black Eyed Peas and Ham

While they take a little bit of time, Black Eyed Peas are easy to cook and make a great hearty meal!

Find the recipe here https://www.spendwithpennies.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe-with-ham/

Black Eyed Pea Cucumber Salad

Get the recipe http://www.eatingwell.com/video/8371/how-to-make-cucumber-and-black-eyed-pea-salad/