When you say pea soup, most people think of a filling dish that is likely to not only warm the body but also have a whole host of health benefits. But with this popular Polish dish, this is debatable. Legume soup is considered one of the most popular in the country. And it’s definitely filling. But whether it helps or harms the body is debatable.

It’s dense, quite heavy, some would say it literally creates a tetris in the intestines. It often sits in the gut for hours and ferments. One serving of it contains about 400 calories, which is not too little if you want to have a main meal afterwards. And if you choose to eat it alone as a meal to fill you up, there are still reasons why some people fear it while others absolutely love it.

Quality soup can take hours to prepare

Traditional Polish pea soup can be prepared in less time, but to achieve the perfect result, it is ideal to soak the peas in water the night before cooking. This will reduce the amount of fermented substances that can otherwise enter the intestines. However, many people do not do this, which is why soup is then considered an unsuitable food that can harm the internal organs.

Although soaking the peas will reduce the danger to the body, the soup still contains a lot of fat. Traditionally, sausages or pieces of smoked meat and bacon are added. These can, of course, be omitted if you want a healthier dish. But if you want a traditional dish, expect it to be more calorific. Otherwise, the dish contains root vegetables, cumin and marjoram.

It's thick and rich. Whether it is really healthy is a matter of debate. ━━ It's thick and rich. Whether it is really healthy is a matter of debate. ( Source: Jesson Mata /  Unsplash+ )

Full of protein, but also fat

Pea soup combines vegetable protein with a high fibre content. After eating it, you feel full for a long time. The protein can slow down the emptying of the stomach, and the fibre is released gradually, giving the body energy.

If peas are less flushed, however, its lying in the intestines means danger for this organ. The bacteria here produce hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide during fermentation, leading to bloating and abdominal pain. In sensitive people, the process also causes diarrhoea or cramps. In addition, pea soup contains a relatively large amount of fat.

Thus, it is a delicious and filling dish that many people can’t get enough of. And once in a while it is not bad to indulge in a smaller quantity of some of the less healthy dishes. On the other hand, if you were to consume Polish pea soup more often, your body probably wouldn’t thank you for it.