Chickpeas are no longer just a tasty treat. This humble legume is actually packed with so many health benefits -- from keeping your heart healthy to helping you lose weight -- that it should be a dietary staple for everyone.
Chickpeas are full of fiber and protein.
Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein, both of which are essential for good health. Fiber helps you feel full faster, so you're less likely to overeat. Protein builds muscle, which can help your body burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight over time. Chickpeas can be used in a variety of dishes; they can replace meat in many recipes (like this vegetarian stir-fry), or they can just be eaten on their own as hummus or falafel!
Chickpeas originated in India and spread throughout the Mediterranean region before eventually making their way to Europe during the Middle Ages--so even though they're often associated with Indian cuisine today, this humble legume actually has roots that stretch back thousands of years! You may have heard them called garbanzo beans because they resemble fava beans when dried; however, there's no connection between these two types of legumes beyond their similar appearance once dried out.)
They're a good source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
One of the most important things to remember about a healthy diet is that it should include a variety of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your body to function properly, and they can be found in many different foods.
They're also important because they help you maintain good health by boosting your immune system, keeping your organs functioning properly, and providing energy for daily tasks like exercising or working long hours at the office.
Some examples of vitamins include vitamin A (found in carrots), vitamin C (found in bell peppers), and calcium (found in dairy products). Minerals include iron (present in red meat) magnesium (in whole grains), and zinc (in shellfish).
They're rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and folate.
- Vitamin A helps your eyesight and the development of the nervous system, as well as bone growth.
- Iron is important for red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, you can develop anemia--a condition that causes fatigue and weakness due to low levels of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body (1). Chickpeas have 3 grams per cup!
- Folate or folic acid helps form new cells in our bodies; it's also important for brain function (2). On average Americans only get about half of what they need each day--so this is another excellent reason to add more chickpeas into your diet! One serving has over 100% DV!
Chickpeas help protect against type 2 diabetes.
Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, which helps lower blood sugar and the risk of diabetes. They also contain folate, which helps lower the risk of diabetes.
Chickpeas can be used in a variety of ways to help you meet your daily fiber goals:
- Use chickpeas as an ingredient in hummus or falafel! Chickpeas are great for making these tasty dishes because they add a creamy texture without adding fat or calories (plus, they're inexpensive).
- Add chickpeas to salads for added crunch and protein! You could even use them instead of meatballs if you want something light but still filling at dinner time. Or try tossing some into soup; it'll make an excellent side dish--especially with some fresh herbs from your garden!
They may also lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Chickpeas are a good source of folate, an important nutrient for heart health. Folate helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Chickpeas have also been shown to lower blood pressure, another factor in protecting against heart disease. In addition to their cardiovascular benefits, chickpeas may also help with weight loss because they're high in protein--and we know what happens when you eat too much protein: You feel full longer!
Finally (because it's not just about your heart), chickpeas make delicious additions to vegetarian dishes--they can be used as a substitute for meat!
Chickpeas help stabilize blood pressure, which can help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Chickpeas are high in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. They're also rich in magnesium, which can help prevent hypertension and support healthy circulation. Chickpeas are also a good source of fiber, which can help reduce blood pressure by lowering cholesterol levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Chickpeas are rich in polyunsaturated fats (like omega-3 fatty acids), which have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels--all good things for heart health!
The high fiber content of chickpeas keeps you feeling fuller for longer -- meaning you're less likely to overeat later in the day.
Chickpeas are high in fiber, which helps you feel full for longer. This means that you're less likely to overeat later in the day or snack on junk food between meals. When combined with other foods (like whole grains), chickpeas help prevent constipation and heart disease while promoting healthy blood sugar levels.
Chickpeas are also an excellent source of protein, so they can be especially helpful if you're trying to lose weight by building muscle mass instead of just shedding pounds. The best part? Adding them to your diet doesn't require any special equipment--just cook some up right away!
Chickpeas have been shown to have several health benefits beyond just being tasty!
Chickpeas are a good source of both protein and fiber, and they contain many vitamins and minerals. The fiber in chickpeas helps to stabilize blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Chickpeas also contain unsaturated fats that help lower "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood while raising "good" cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Folate is another important nutrient found in chickpeas; it's especially important during pregnancy because it helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida in infants born to mothers who were deficient at conception.
Conclusion
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full for longer. They're also an excellent source of heart-healthy fats that can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Plus, chickpeas are packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and folate -- all nutrients that contribute to overall health!
