Florida doctor shares why adding peas to meals improves gut health

Adding a handful of peas to daily meals can boost nutrition, support gut health, and help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a Florida-based doctor. Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and health content creator, shared these health benefits in an Instagram video posted on October 7. One cup of peas contains about 8.6 grams of protein and 8.8 grams of fibre. This mix helps keep people feeling fuller for longer, supports satiety, and promotes better gut health.

Nutritional Benefits

Dr Salhab explains that peas are one of the easiest high-fibre, plant-protein foods to keep frozen and add to various dishes. The fibre feeds good gut bacteria, supports the gut microbiome, adds bulk to stool, and helps with constipation, bowel regularity, and easier bowel movements. Along with protein and fibre, peas are packed with antioxidants and essential micronutrients. These include vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, vitamin A precursors, thiamin, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Practical Uses

Peas are inexpensive, come frozen, and are easy to incorporate into everyday meals. They thaw quickly and can be tossed into rice, stir-fries, soups, pasta, grain bowls, curries, casseroles, or meal prep. Stirring frozen peas into hot rice at the end of cooking warms them up without extra work. Higher fibre intake is linked to a healthier gut microbiome and better colon health, which may help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Context

Medical professionals often highlight high-fibre foods and plant proteins as key elements of a balanced diet that supports long-term digestive wellness. This particular health advice comes from user-generated social media content and serves informational purposes rather than acting as professional medical advice.