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Ever wondered about the chickpeas benefits? A popular ingredient in cuisines from India to the Middle East, chickpeas are a nutritious legume. Also known as Garbanzo, chickpeas can be prepared in various ways. Boiled and salted, in curries, as hummus, or even eaten raw in salads – chickpeas tatse delicious in every way. Because it is full of protein, vitamins and minerals, this amazing superfood is a part of many Ayurvedic and healing diets. There are so many health benefits of chickpeas which we may not have been aware of. Here are a few…

Chickpeas Benefits

1. Chickpeas For Good Digestion

Nearly 75% of the fiber content in chickpeas is insoluble. So by the time it reaches the colon, the undigested fibre bulks up the stools, eases our digestive process, and also boosts absorption of nutrients. Here are some more excellent foods for healthy digestion.

2. Chickpeas Improve Heart Health

By improving the functioning of the gall bladder, chickpeas reduce our cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber reduces LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and keeps your heart beating healthily.

chickpeas benefits

3. Health Benefits Of Chickpeas For Diabetes

An important factor in diabetes management is preventing sugar levels from rising immediately after eating. The fiber and protein in chickpeas, along with their low GI index, helps limit unwanted blood sugar spikes after you’ve had your meals.

4. Chickpeas To Control Weight

One of the lesser-known health benefits of chickpeas is that they help in weight loss. Chickpeas have a fairly low calorie density. On the other hand, they provide more nutrients – including muscle-building protein. Moreover, they have appetite lowering effects. A very good reason to have chickpeas for health as well as your waist!

5. Chickpeas Are An Anti-Stress Food.

Ayurveda considers chickpeas as a comfort food. Chickpeas have an essential amino acid called tryptophan, which helps us balance our emotions and has a calming effect – resulting in lower stress levels as well as better sleep.

health benefits of chickpeas

6. Chickpeas For Health Of Bones

Chickpeas are excellent for your bones! They contain many nutrients that support strong bones – like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin K, iron, manganese, and phosphate. It helps prevent bone disease like osteoporosis. If you recently suffered a bone fracture, enjoy a bowl of chickpeas regularly to support healing.

7. Chickpeas Help Prevent Cancer.

Selenium – a mineral which supports proper functioning of liver so that it detoxifies certain cancer causing compounds – is found in chickpeas. Chickpeas also reduce inflammation, and can prevent the growth of tumours in the body.

8. Chickpeas Provide You With Choline.

Did you know that choline plays an important role in functions like sleep regulation, brain function, muscle movement, as well as nervous health. Not many people are aware of this important nutrient! You can your daily choline requirements from chickpeas as well as other foods like peanuts, soy, and kidney beans.

chickpeas for health

Now, you see why Ayurveda recommends chickpeas for health. Just make sure that if you are a Vata type, eat chickpeas in moderation, since they are drying and gassy. Always cook them with ghee and digestive spices like cumin, asafoetida, ginger, and turmeric. Kapha folks can enjoy it as often as they like, since chickpeas pacify this dosha.

Note: Posts on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness about natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.