Veggie burgers, step aside – there’s a new green hero in town, and it’s been hiding in plain sight in your freezer!
Here at Yes Peas!, we’re always singing the praises of the humble frozen pea, and now science is backing us up! A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford has uncovered some interesting insights into the benefits of plant-based eating, and peas are stealing the spotlight.
Here, we’ve highlighted some key takeaways from the research to show why peas are the real MVPs – outshining processed meat and dairy alternatives in health benefits, environmental impact, and cost.
Peas are a smart choice
Forget fancy veggie burgers and expensive plant-based milks – embrace peas instead! Researchers found that swapping meat and dairy for natural plant-based foods like peas can reduce early death rates by up to 6%. In fact, peas topped the list of meat alternatives, outperforming products like veggie sausages and tofu!
The research highlighted the importance of reducing meat and dairy in high-income countries to limit biodiversity loss, climate change and improve health. And it seems like peas are perfectly positioned to help us do that!
Peas are a planet-friendly hero
When it comes to the climate – peas are a clear winner. The livestock sector is responsible for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and replacing animal products where we can with plant-based alternatives is important. But processed foods like plant-based burgers and lab-grown meats don’t offer the same environmental benefits as the trusty pea.
Lab-grown meat, for example, generates emissions comparable to beef and is far more expensive to produce! Peas, however, play a pivotal role in sustainable farming as they are nitrogen-fixing legumes, therefore enriching the soil and reducing the need for any synthetic fertilisers. The harvesting process of peas also minimises food waste, as the peas are podded in the field, and all pod and vine waste are recycled to enrich the soil.
Peas may be tiny, but they’re mighty for your health
Peas pack a nutritional punch and are extremely high in fibre. In fact, the research from the University of Oxford found that most of the health boost from plant-based diets comes from increasing fibre intake – making peas a simple yet delicious way to do so without the need for processed foods.
So, next time you’re thinking about going plant-based, why not skip the processed veggie burgers and reach for frozen peas! After all, they’re the real deal when it comes to health and sustainability!
Feeling inspired? Check out our delicious pea-inspired recipes by visiting the link here!
