Chickpeas are part of the legume family. Chickpeas are rich in protein, iron, zinc, fiber, folic acid, and potassium. They are naturally low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Chickpeas are incredibly easy to include in your diet because they are affordable and available in most grocery stores in both canned and dried varieties.
Health benefits
Blood sugar control
Canned and dried chickpeas have a low glycemic index, which means your body absorbs and digests them slowly. They also contain a type of starch that is slowly digested. These factors help prevent blood sugar and insulin from rising too quickly, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
Aids digestion
Chickpeas are high in dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber. The good bacteria in your gut break it down so that your colon can digest it slowly.
Lowers cholesterol
Soluble fiber can reduce total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease.
Improves mental health
Chickpeas contain choline, a nutrient that helps produce chemicals important for memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system activities.
