Diet & Nutrition 4 MIN READ 878 VIEWS September 2, 2023

Are You Aware of these Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Garbanzo beans or chickpeas is a food item that has been among cooking ingredients for a long, and it appears in different cuisines throughout the world. Despite their miniuscule size, these legumes are rich in nutrition and provide numerous advantages to one’s physical health and overall wellness. It does not matter whether you have the most liking for tasting hummus, falafel or hearty stews; make sure to feature tahini in your kitchen store. Here is a blog about the benefits of chickpeas that you definitely need to know.

Health Benefits of Chickpeas

The benefits of eating chickpeas are as follows:

1. Nutrition

Chickpeas are high in various minerals, vitamins as well as fibre that are necessary for any regular diet. Chickpeas nutrition is as follows:

  • Calories: 269
  • Protein: 14.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Fibre: 12.5 grams
  • Fat: 4.2 grams
  • Folate: 282 micrograms (70% of the recommended daily intake)
  • Iron: 4.74 milligrams (26% of the recommended daily intake)
  • Magnesium: 79 milligrams (19% of the recommended daily intake)
  • Phosphorus: 276 milligrams (28% of the recommended daily intake)
  • Zinc: 2.5 milligrams (23% of the recommended daily intake)
  • Potassium: 477 milligrams (10% of the recommended daily intake)

The chickpeas are another important source of vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium and selenium. Chickpeas have such an impressive nutritional profile that they could be considered as a health-supplying food for diet.

2. Protein Source

Proteins are major or macro-nutrients required for muscular repair, enzymes production and immune functions, among others. It is worth mentioning that chickpea protein is a good alternative option for those whose diet includes little to no animal proteins, such as vegetarians and vegans. Chickpea provides almost 15 grams of protein in one cup which is really high.

3. Heart Health

Chickpeas are known for having many heart-related health benefits. The fibre present in these foods is useful for keeping cholesterol low. This means fewer chances of developing heart disease or stroke. The chickpea also contributes a lot when it comes to health issues. Soluble fibre present in chickpeas is effective in removing excessive cholesterol through the bowels, thereby keeping it out of the bloodstream. Soluble fibre constitutes into gels and binds cholesterol that leaves the body by way of disposing of wastes through stools.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation

They also indicate that chickpeas have one of the lowest glycaemic indexes relative to other high-GI foods that lead to a relatively lower rate increase in the blood sugar level on consumption. It is also among the major health advantages of chickpeas. Chickpeas contain a mixture of fibre, protein and complex carbs which will help regulate blood glucose levels and keep you feeling energised without any dips!

5. Digestive Health

The health benefit that comes with one of the main chickpeas is to enhance and prevent constipation and maintain the regularity of bowel movement. Fibres are also crucial in maintaining a good gut microbiota which facilitates optimum absorption of nutrients and improved general well-being of the gut. Additionally, chickpeas comprise resistant starch which is a kind of fibre that serves as a prebiotic in the intestine.

6. Weight Management

However, they comprise healthy components like a lot of fibre and proteins, which make them great allies in weight management. Such nutrients help in making one feel fuller, suppressing the urge to eat and curbing food cravings. Take advantage of the fact that by serving chickpeas with your meals, you could manage and even prevent obesity.

7. Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

The benefits of these anti-oxidants found in chickpeas such as flavonoids are that they reduce the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The presence of these compounds lowers the risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions.

How to Incorporate Chickpeas into Your Diet?

You can incorporate chickpeas into your menus simply because they are easy to use. Here are some suggestions for incorporating chickpeas into your diet:

  • Salads

Add some cooked chickpeas to a serving of salad, it will add proteins and also great texture. Green salads, grain salads and pasta salads, all suit these fruits.

  • Soups and Stews

You can improve your soups and your stew by including these beans to give the dish more bulk and make it more satisfying. Lemon rice, mango ice creams, spiced applesauce or even soup with rice, vegetables and lentils could be added.

  • Roasted Snack

Bake some olives, along with a generous amount of olive oil, salt and your favourite spice to enjoy crunchy healthy snacks. This is healthier than potato chips or nuts.

  • Hummus

Homemade hummus is prepared using blended chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Use it as a spread with some veggies or sandwiches and wraps.

  • Veggie Burgers

Prepare mash out of cooked chickpeas, breadcrumbs, vegetables and other spices to make delicious and healthy vegetable patties.

Conclusion

Chickpea is an important inclusion in any diet which provides several advantages. Due to their excellent nutrition content, high proteins and diverse health benefits, they foster general health. Heart health is fostered; these play a role in ensuring balanced blood sugar levels, and promoting efficient digestion and weight maintenance.

You can add them to salads, stews and even soups or they could become the star ingredients in humus and falafel dishes. In this way, you will be able to utilise the nutritious values that they offer without getting fat or any other problems associated with food intake. Always, make sure that you have chickpeas on your shopping list since they are healthy and good, and they give more taste to foods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits of Chickpeas

It is generally safe and beneficial to include chickpeas in your daily diet. They offer a range of nutrients and health benefits, and their regular consumption can support overall health and well-being. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you obtain a wide spectrum of nutrients.

Chickpeas are known for their  high protein content, making them an excellent plant-based protein source. Additonally, chickpeas are considered a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy.

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