Benefits of Adding Chickpeas to your Diet

Benefits of Adding Chickpeas to your Diet

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a popular legume staple in some parts of the world.  Many times, we think of them as the base for hummus and falafel, but they are wonderful in a variety of dishes.  Not only are chickpeas a perfect replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes, they add excellent benefits to every diet.

High Fiber =

Healthy Digestion

Just one cup of chickpeas contains 12.5 grams of fiber, which is 50 percent of your recommended daily intake of fiber.  Their high fiber content helps to maintain digestive system health by keeping things running smoothly and balancing pH levels. These benefits reduce the buildup of toxins and harmful bacteria in the colon that can lead to cancer.

Weight Loss Control

The high fiber and protein contents found in chickpeas help to fill up the stomach and provide a feeling of satiety for many hours, which helps to prevent overeating and obesity.

Cardiovascular Health

High Fiber in your diet helps to clear cholesterol deposits from the bloodstream, helping to lower total cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while preventing heart attack and stroke.

Control Blood Sugar

Chickpeas are a low on the glycemic index, which means that they do not cause blood sugar levels to spike, thus helping to maintain a lower, stable blood sugar level. This benefit is especially important for individuals with diabetes and those committed to intermittent fasting.

High in Nutrients

• Chickpeas contain potassium, which is responsible for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels by countering the effects of sodium.
• Chickpeas are an excellent source of iron, which is necessary for blood production. One cup of chickpeas contains 4.7 milligrams of iron, which is 26% of your RDI
• Chickpeas are one of the richest sources of vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, which is an essential vitamin for a healthy pregnancy
• Chickpeas contain many nutrients which are essential to bone health, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K
• Chickpeas are a great source for the essential nutrient choline, which is important for many functions in the body including brain development, nerve function, muscle movements, metabolism, and liver function
• Chickpeas contain all 9 essential amino acids and are high in protein

Chickpeas are naturally Gluten-free, which is another reason we love them at Big Cat’s Bowls! Enjoy them in place of any meat in our bowls. They are especially great in a vegetarian taco salad or our Mediterranean bowl!

References

What are Chickpeas and Why are they Healthy? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-benefits-of-chickpeas/