Used commonly in Mediterranean and Middle East, chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are now becoming more popular in cuisines in other parts of the world.
Besides being rich in carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fiber; chickpeas are, above all, loaded with protein and provide an excellent substitute for meat.
Here are a few reasons why you should incorporate more this healthy ingredient in your daily diet.
1. Promotes a healthy heart
A healthy heart requires fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, all of which are stuffed loads in chickpeas. These help control cholesterol levels in the blood, hence reducing the risk of heart diseases.
2. Improves bone health
Maintaining strong and healthy bones requires sufficient amounts of calcium, zinc, manganese and vitamin K in your diet. Moreover, a proper balance in their amount is required too. For instance, very little calcium with lots of phosphorus can lead to bone loss. Consuming it daily ensures an adequate amount of these vital elements are available in the right proportion for strengthening your bone structure.
3. Manages weight and hunger pangs
A rich source of dietary fibers, this ingredient regulates your feeling of hunger. More fibers in the digestive system mean you will feel fuller for longer. Hence, by controlling the untimely appetite which leads to an increased intake of calories, chickpeas prevent you from gaining unnecessary weight.
4. Beneficial for diabetes patients
The high fiber content in chickpeas is greatly effective for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as it helps regulate the blood sugar levels.
5. Reduces chronic Inflammation
Chickpeas contain choline, which helps in muscle movement besides improving learning and sharpening memory. It is found to aid in proper sleep as well.
The best way to use them is to first soak the raw chickpeas in water for about 8 to 10 hours. Drain the water and then you may either eat them boiled with a mix of fresh, diced vegetables or cook them as per your liking.
Just eat a handful of chickpeas daily, and you will be surprised by how energetic and healthy you will start to feel.
