Chickpeas are a good-for-you legume that is also high in fiber and protein. In fact, chickpeas are one of the healthiest legumes you can eat. But they aren’t necessarily a healthy food. When prepared improperly, they can be high in sodium and lectin. This means they have high concentrations of ten carb per cent, lectin.
If that doesn’t scare you, the next part will. It’s found in legumes like chickpeas, beans and peas. There are many different types of them and they come in a variety of flavors, sizes and package types. While some are high in lectin, others are great for you. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what a chickpea is, its health benefits and the good, the bad and the scary about them.
What is a Chickpea?
A chickpea is a legume commonly used as a model for many other plant and seed species. The chickpea is also called a spiny legume due to its long, spiny and often rebel-like seed pods. Some people have an allergy to the legumes because of their association with the pod and the shell. This is not the case with everyone, though.
A chickpea is a type of seed that grows in the family of the Fabaceae, commonly called the legumes. It is larger and has a shorter, thicker seed pod than a pea. The seed pod of a legume is known as a bean pod. The chickpea is also called a spiny legume since its seed pods have spiky, spiny leaves.
Chickpeas as a Healthy Food
Healthy eating is about more than just choosing healthy foods. It’s about choosing healthy options that are also healthy for you. Generally, a healthy food is one with a low amount of calories, fats, sodium, carbs and cholesterol. Beans, lentils and other legumes are some of the most healthy legumes available. They are also easy to cook and can be eaten alone or added to soups, salads and casseroles.
Chickpeas as a Good-For-You Food
While many people think of them as a healthy food, chickpeas are actually a great source of fiber and protein. They’re also a rich source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron. Additionally, they’re low in calories, saturated fats and cholesterol. One cup of beans contains 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 120 calories. So, chickpeas are a great addition to anyone’s diet.
Chickpeas for Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, you might consider adding chickpea flour to your diet. It’s a natural low-fat, high-fibre flour made from ground whole chickpeas. You can add it to soups, salads or stir-fries. It has a mild flavor and is a good source of dietary fiber.
Chickpeas for Good Health
Chickpea flour is also known as besan. It’s a powerful digestive aid and is often used as a treatment for intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis, and certain cancers such as colon cancer and liver cancer. While it has many uses, it’s most commonly consumed as a health product.
How to Cook Healthy Chickpeas
To make your own healthy chickpea flour, you’ll need to purchase canned or cooked chickpeas. You can also make your own by canning or freezing cooked or canned chickpeas. While there are many ways to cook healthy chickpeas, the following is a Healthy-Prep Kitchen favorite.
- Place 1 or 2 cans of chickpeas in the popular bean-cooking pot.
- Add 2-3 cups of water and 2-3 cloves of garlic.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the beans are completely dry.
- Store in an air-tight container.
The Bottom Line
Chickpeas are a good-for-you legume that is also high in fiber and protein. They are also a rich source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron. However, when prepared improperly, they can be high in sodium and lectin. If that doesn’t scare you, the next part will. It’s found in legumes like chickpeas, beans and peas. There are many different types of them and they come in a variety of flavors, sizes and package types. While some are high in lectin, others are great for you. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what a chickpea is, its health benefits and the good, the bad and the scary about them.
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