Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, belong to the legume
family, which includes a variety of beans, peanuts, soybeans and lentils.
Opting for legumes over foods high in saturated fat might lower your risk of
heart disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Chickpeas also offer
specific health benefits, and consuming them regularly boosts your intake of a
few key nutrients.
Protein
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Chick peas |
Eating chickpeas provides you with a vegetarian-friendly source of protein, with each cup of cooked garbanzo beans containing 15 grams. Your body breaks down this protein into amino acids, and then uses them to maintain the health of your body's tissues.
Chickpeas are a
source of incomplete protein, which means they do not contain every amino acid
you need for good health. Make sure you combine them with other sources of
protein, such as nuts, whole grains, dairy, eggs or meat to prevent an amino
acid deficiency.
Wrinkles:
Manganese in
chickpeas causes skin cells to produce energy and fights wrinkle-causing free
radicals. Molybdenum detoxifies skin by removing sulphites. Other nutrients
like folate and Vitamin work as fuel for the skin cells. They repair damage
from the sun and harmful toxins.
Women’s Health:
Chickpeas benefits are great for women health too. The
phytochemicals or saponins in chickpeas, act extremely helpful in the
prevention of breast cancer and osteoporosis. It is also great for lowering
incidences of hot flushes post menopause.
Controls Diabetes:
Chickpeas are low on the glycemic index – good for prevention and
regulation of blood sugar levels. Fiber and protein help maintain the flow of
food in to the digestive tract. It also prevents breaking of food too quickly
or slowly. This healthy rate releases sugar from the food and stabilizes its
digestive impact on our blood sugar. Chickpeas are highly recommended for
diabetics and insulin resistants.
Cooking:
Chickpeas can be cooked and used in
salads, curries, soups and stews. Roasted chickpeas, with few savoury spices,
make for an ideal evening snack. It finds it way in Gluten-free diet too. And
can be used in variety of dishes like pakoras, pappadams or pancakes and as a substitute for
eggs in baking.
