Chickpeas are ‘an apple of one’s eye’ globally and hence have many pet names like Garbanzo beans, Bengal gram, Kabuli Chana and Egyptian Pea. Chickpeas are one of the earliest cultivated legumes, an important component of Turkish, Middle Eastern, African, Spanish, Indian and various other cuisines for centuries.
They are a favourite amongst the legume family as they are high in protein, fibre, rich in vitamins like manganese, iron, folate copper, phosphorous and antioxidants, low in fat and sodium, and are also gluten-free.
Health Benefits:
- Chickpeas are heart-friendly beans as they contain a plant sterol called ‘sitosterol’ that is structurally similar to cholesterol in the body. These super beans interfere with the body’s absorption of cholesterol and thereby can help to lower blood cholesterol levels.
- They have a low glycemic index that helps to prevent a sudden surge in the blood sugar and insulin levels, which can improve overall blood glucose regulation in diabetics.
- Chickpeas are great for digestive health, keeps you full and satiated for a longer duration, which in turn may help weight watchers.
- Chickpeas being high in protein have become one of the mainstays to meet the daily protein requirement in a vegetarian diet.
Chickpeas are widely available in dried or canned form. Seasonally young fresh chickpeas are available in their green pods. They can be added to any soups, salads, gravies, crepes and patties/cutlets. They are also a key ingredient in making hummus and falafel. Roasted Chickpeas are great as mid-meal snacks. Chickpea flour is sometimes used as a replacement in baking.
Make sure to have garbanzo beans in your kitchen as not only they have a great shelf life but they are also super filling, nutrient-rich and excellent energy boosters. With their kind of goodness, they easily qualify to gain the status of being Super CHIC!
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