7 Impressive Health Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas

4. Supports a healthy pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s nutrient intake must increase— not only to help the growing human inside of her but to support her changing body and her blood volume increase. Black-eyed peas contain so many nutrients vital to a healthy pregnancy including fiber, protein, folate, iron, and more. Folate, or vitamin B9—also referred to as folic acid in supplement form—is an absolutely crucial nutrient to a healthy pregnancy. This vitamin plays a major role in DNA synthesis. Research shows that folate deficiency raises the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. One cup of black-eyed peas contains 89 percent of your RDI of folate. Pregnant women must also consume more iron than the average person because their blood volume increases to support the growing fetus. Since black-eyed peas are a great source of iron, they’re also a perfect food for pregnancy.