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They say that good things come in small packages-this is of course true for peas. These spherical seeds come from the pods of the pea plant and are a healthy supplement to any diet-from salads to soups, and even on crostini!

Although you will often find them in the frozen vegetable section of supermarkets, technically speaking, peas are not vegetables. "Because of their high starch content, many people classify them as vegetables," said Abby Cannon, JD, RD, and CDN, a registered dietitian. However, they are actually legumes (such as lentils and chickpeas).

Half a cup contains only 62 calories, peas contain powerful nutrients! "They provide plant-based protein, fiber and wonderful sweetness to the diet," Cannon said.

Keep reading about some of the ways peas can affect your health and well-being, as well as healthier eating tips, be sure to check out our list of 7 healthiest foods to eat right away.

Pea is an important source of plant protein, and plant protein is an important source of nutrients and fuel.

"Protein is part of every cell in your body," Cannon said. "You need it to build muscles, maintain and repair our cells, produce hormones and neurotransmitters, digest food, and deliver oxygen throughout the body, and so on."

Peas can also help regulate digestion because of their high fiber content.

“A cup of peas contains 7 grams of fiber, which is 23% of the 30 grams of recommended daily intake,” Cannon said.

Fiber is essential for healthy digestion, but we often don't consume enough.

"It helps us feel full, improves digestion and elimination, and soluble fiber even helps lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol," explained Cannon.

Related: The first thing to eat to lose weight forever

When you add protein, certain appetite-regulating hormones (such as ghrelin) will decrease. This is why a key part of losing weight is getting enough protein. In addition, studies have shown that when you consume more fiber and protein, you may consume fewer calories throughout the day.

Peas are like nature's vitamins-they contain almost all the vitamins you need! Cannon explained that they "contain vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium." Because vitamins play a vital role in all functions of the body-from supporting the immune system to repairing cell damage-there is even more reason to supplement with sources rich in natural vitamins.

Related: According to experts at Yale University, the 9 most important vitamins you need in your diet

Pea also contains an anti-nutrient called phytic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of other nutrients. However, Cannon explained, “If you soak peas before eating, the phytic acid content will decrease. Also, cooked peas have less phytic acid and you are less likely to eat raw peas.” It just means that frozen foods are not always Not as good as fresh food.

Peas are also rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which help fight the damage caused by free radicals. High levels of free radicals in the body can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage your DNA and increase your risk of certain diseases (such as cancer).

Make a hearty pea soup and enjoy all the benefits of pea-this is a classic for a reason!

Add them to your favorite garden salad for extra nutrients.

Sprinkle on the avocado toast to add energy to your breakfast.

Make a pea paste — like Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s pea paste with smoked feta — as an appetizer for your next dinner.

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These fiber-rich foods can help you feel fuller and longer lasting, thereby helping you lose weight quickly.

Think of them as your flat-bellied army.

Because when you want to stay at your best, when and how to take in nutrients is important.

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