Do you wait for Sundays to relish this amazing Chana Chole made by your mom? Those soft cooked Chickpeas melting in your mouth, along with generous doses of butter can make you salivate instantly. Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans are also used in a variety of Cuisines, including Hummus, a Mediterranean delight. These yellow seeds are a staple in many vegetarian delights for the high amounts of Protein they offer. Chickpeas are also rich in many vitamins and minerals, making them one of the healthiest foods in the world. In this article, we have highlighted the best health benefits of Chickpeas.
What Are Chickpeas ?
Chickpeas are a type of Legumes, which belong to the Fabaceae family. They are also called Bengal Gram, Garbanzo seeds or the Egyptian Pea. They are widely cultivated in Indian and the Middle East, with 64 % of cultivation coming from just our country. Chickpea is a key ingredient in many foods like soups, Kebabs, Salads and Curries.
Types Of Chickpeas:
There are two basic varieties of Chickpeas – the large, yellow coloured seeds called Kabuli Chana and the multi-coloured, small chickpeas found locally called the Desi Chickpea. These range from dark green to brown and even black colored seeds. Each of them has a distinct flavour and nutritional profile.
Are Chickpeas Healthy ?
The importance of Chickpea seeds is well-known in the health industry. Chickpeas are loaded with nutritional goodness and are considered to be the richest sources of Protein for Vegetarians. It is also good for preventing Cardiovascular diseases by lowering Cholesterol levels. Chickpeas are also abundant in many powerful antioxidants to ward off several types of diseases including Cancers. It benefits in weight loss need no special mention!
Chickpeas Nutrition Facts:
Listed below is the nutritional value of Chickpeas per 100 grams Serving:
- Total Calories: 364
- Total Carbohydrates: 61 gm
- Total Proteins: 19 gm
- Total Fat: 6 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 17 gm
- Sugars: 11 gm
- Potassium: 25 %
- Sodium: 1 %
- Vitamin A: 1 %
- Iron: 34 %
- Vitamin B6: 25 %
- Magnesium: 28 %
- Calcium: 10 %
Health Benefits Of Chickpeas:
Here we enlisted 16 best benefits of chickpeas for health, hair and skin. Let’s have a look in to them.
1. Aids In weight Loss:
Chickpeas benefits for weight loss are incredible. They are a great way to lose weight without compromising on nutrition levels. These grams are a great source of strength and are something which you can use regardless of whether you are following a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian diet. They can be added to a salad or even be used in a nice and edible curry. Since they are lesser in calories compared to beans and cow peas, you should definitely use this to shed some pounds.
2. Makes Skin Healthy:
Chickpeas will give you good skin for sure if you make use of it on a daily basis. All you need to do is boil some peas and make a fresh paste out it. Take the paste and apply it all over the face and neck. Scrub this paste well and you will be able to remove all dead cells and dirt that have accumulated on your skin due to pollution. However, doesn’t scrub too hard or all the essential oils shall be stripped off. So if you want good and healthy skin, use the chickpeas scrub twice a week.
3. Promotes Better Digestion:
Chick Peas can also take good care of your digestive system. If you have them regularly, you will never have any kind of stomach infection. This veggie will fight all the bacteria and germs found in your digestive tract and cleanse the system completely. You will improve your digestive process and also live a life that is healthy and fit. Never will you face any problem related to bowel movement because of the benefits that chickpeas can provide you with. So if you want good health, buy some chickpeas.
4. Lowers The Risk Of Hair Loss:
Your hair is an important segment of your body and you need to take care of it on a daily basis. You obviously wouldn’t want it to fall or break right? So, to prevent such common hair problems, we would suggest you to make use of peas which is full of wholesome goodness. They will fight common hair problems and protect your hair from any kind of damage. Not only that, your hair growth will be promoted and you will stay beautiful all the time. So, in order to take give your hair that look you have always desired secretly, you can surely make use of some chickpeas.
5. Fights Signs Of Ageing:
Some of the common problems that women face in their thirties are ageing. Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and dullness are some of the symptoms of ageing. A great way to fight this problem and keep your skin youthful and radiant all throughout the year is by making use of some chickpeas. This will slow down the ageing process, tighten your skin and give your skin a natural and healthy glow.
See More: Health Benefits Of Carrot
6. Improves Your Vision:
In order to improve your overall vision, we would suggest you to use peas on a daily basis. You will be surprised how this great vegetable can affect your eyes. Peas are full of Vitamin A which is an essential element for maintaining the health of your mucus membranes, your eyesight and skin. This is one of the best Garbanzo benefits to your body.
7. Strengthens Your Immunity:
Chickpeas advantages to our health are numerous. Chick Peas contain a high level of antioxidants which are very much important for your body. They keep you miles away from dangerous diseases and enhance your immune system. Since it is so full of nutrition, you can easily expect your entire immune system to be strengthened. You will be free from major diseases and never face serious conditions such as cancer.
8. Makes Your Bones Strong:
One of the lesser known advantages of eating chickpeas is its bone strengthening properties. They are the best for your bone health. All free radicals shall be eradicated from your body. Since it is full of Vitamin K, you can expect great bone and body health. You will protect yourself from several cardiovascular diseases and also derive several beneficial properties out of it.
9. Super Food For Pregnant Women:
The health benefits of eating chickpeas during pregnancy have long been recognized by our ancestors. Chickpeas will improve the health of your child and you will never have to worry about any kind of defects because those dangerous conditions shall never touch your baby. Your baby will healthy and beautiful when it is born. This is also one of the major reasons why several doctors and experts have advised pregnant women to eat a lot of veggies, including chickpeas.
10. Controls Diabetes:
One of the best benefits of Garbanzo beans is its ability to reduce your blood sugar levels. These amazing seeds have low Glycaemic Index making them ideal for Diabetic patients. Regular consumption of Garbanzo seeds can also help in lowering the risk of Diabetes, especially for those who have a family history of this disease.
See More: Caffeine Benefits
11. Good For Heart Health:
Chickpeas are loaded with dietary fiber, Potassium and other key minerals which does plenty of good to your heart. These seeds are known to lower the Cholesterol levels in the body, thereby aiding dangerous Cardiovascular diseases. Garbanzo seeds also reduce the chances of Obesity, which in turn saves your heart from sudden attacks.
12. Prevents Cancer:
Chickpeas contain certain Phytochemicals called Sapotins, which are known to fight Cancer cells. They also help in reducing these cells from spreading in the body. Chickpeas are considered to be one of the best anti-Cancer diets, which can help in lowering the risks of Colorectal Cancers. People with a history of Cancers in their family are advised to consume these wonderful seeds regularly.
13. Reduces Inflammation:
One of the many Chickpea uses is its ability to prevent and treat inflammation in the body. They are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents to help in curbing redness, inflammation in tissues and also treat many types of pains in the body. Adding chickpeas to your daily diet can help in dealing with many joint disorders also.
14. Rich Source Of Anti-Oxidants:
Chickpeas are a storehouse of many anti-oxidants and flavonoids which can reduce the oxidative damage in the body caused by free radicals. These seeds are also known to encourage new cell growth and ward of many deadly infections in the body. They are a best and natural way to strengthen your immune system.
15. Maintains Blood Pressure:
If you are suffering from high blood pressure, Chickpeas are one of the best foods out there. Chickpeas are known to lower cholesterol levels which block the walls of your artery. Being high in Potassium and low on Sodium, these seeds can regulate your blood flow and keep in under normal readings.
16. Destroys Winter Dandruff:
Winter dandruff is a condition of Dandruff that gets aggravated in the winters, due to the dry, cold climates. Chickpea is rich in Zinc which can fight yeast infections and reduce itchy, scaly scalp problems. You can even make a paste of Chickpea and lemon to apply as a hair mask to get super smooth, shiny and dandruff free hair.
See More: Celery Benefits For Women
How To Cook Chickpeas ?
Chickpeas can be hard to cook with, especially when you are not aware of the technique. Follow these simple steps to enjoy perfectly cooked, delicious Chickpeas:
- Wash Chickpeas thoroughly to remove stones and debris.
- Soak them in fresh water overnight.
- The next morning, drain the water and keep them aside.
- Now transfer them into a pressure cooker and add sufficient water.
- Add a pinch of salt for faster cooking.
- Cook for 2-3 whistles.
- Once the pressure has come down, drain the excess water and use the chickpeas in your food.
Note: You can even try cooking Chickpeas in a vessel, but it takes more time and fuel.
Chickpeas Side Effects:
Your mom was absolutely right in telling you to maintain restraint while eating Chickpeas. Being legumes, these seeds can cause stomach disorders, when had in excess. Check out some of the common Chickpeas disadvantages:
- Bloating
- Gas Accumulation
- Stomach Cramps
- Flatulence
- Itching
- Nausea
- Indigestion
Aren’t you surprised reading about these amazing benefits of Chickpeas? Chickpeas have never failed to delight the world with its numerous ways in protecting our health. These super foods are a great favourite with chefs and nutritionists alike. Adding Chickpeas in recommended quantities to your everyday diet. Whether it is in the form of a dip or a simple Salad and Soup, Garbanzo Beans can be used in a variety of forms. With some amazing recipes on the internet, time to stock your pantry with Chickpeas to impress your family!
