Chickpeas are quickly becoming one of the most popular snack items. A healthy alternative to treats like chips and candy, they're a plant-based dish that's overflowing with nutrition. While chickpeas can be enjoyed as is, they're often combined with other ingredients for a boost of flavor. Now, if you're thinking about adding more chickpeas into your diet and are curious to learn more about their health benefits, you've landed on the right article. Continue reading as we discuss the answers to common questions like "are chickpeas healthy?" and provide you with ideas of how you can begin incorporating them into your diet today.
What Are Chickpeas?
Before we dive deeper into the world of chickpeas and their many uses, let's first discuss what chickpeas are. Chickpea is a legume that comes from the plant family Fabaceae. Often grown for their nutritious seeds, chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to your diet.Now, if you've noticed that chickpeas and garbanzo beans look a bit similar, you're not wrong. Chickpeas and garbanzo beans are just different names for the same seeda seed that you can use to create various snacks ranging from crackers to hummus.
Are Chickpeas Healthy?
Curious to know what the health benefits of chickpeas are? There's a bunch of them! Chickpeas are a superfood packed with nutritional benefits. Significant amounts of protein, fiber, calcium, iron and other nutrients can be found in chickpeas. In addition, their agreeable taste and texture make it easy to work them into all types of cuisines, meaning that you can enjoy a boost of nutrients no matter what's on the menu that day.Though there are many benefits of enjoying chickpeas regularly, here are a few of our favorites.
Chickpeas Boost Digestive Health
Chickpeas are loaded with fibera nutrient that's crucial to good digestive health. When consumed, fiber helps add bulk to your stools preventing constipation and promoting regularity. In the digestive system, fiber also balances the ph levels and healthy bacteria in your gut, boosting your overall gut health and aiding with digestion.
Chickpeas are an Excellent Source of Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein. In fact, just one cup of chickpeas contains nearly 15 grams of protein. An essential nutrient for the functions in your body, protein aids in the health of your muscles, vital organs and tissues. While simultaneously working to slow down the aging process. Though chickpeas are loaded with protein, they're not a complete source of it. Therefore, when following a plant-based diet, you must combine chickpeas with other sources of protein to ensure that you're receiving all of the nutrients your body needs.
Chickpeas are Great for Your Bones
Just as they're loaded with protein, they're also packed with calcium. Great for your bones, your body requires significant amounts of calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Additionally, calcium also helps your heart, muscles and nerves function as they should.Chickpeas are also a great source of magnesium, which is another mineral that your body uses to help strengthen and build bones. Other minerals that chickpeas contain include; manganese, zinc, vitamin k and phosphate.
Chickpea Recipes
Now that you know just how great chickpeas are for you, it's time to start including them in your weekly meals. Whether you're searching for sweet treats or a more savory dish, the recipes below are sure to have you covered.
Sweet and Spicy Chickpeas
Take your favorite snack to the next level and follow this Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chickpea Recipe. A combination of spices like cinnamon, ground cardamom, chili powder and red pepper flakes transform these traditionally creamy legumes into a flavorful, crisp and addicting snack. Enjoy it as a mid-day treat, or include it as a side to your favorite dinner. Everyone who tries this snack is sure to love it.
Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables
Care to turn chickpeas into more than just a snack? Use them to make this easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables. A delicious crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside flatbread recipe it can be combined with a wide array of seasonal produce. Made in less than an hour, it's an excellent way to arrive at any gathering with a fantastic tasting and looking dish.Use the recipes above to begin incorporating chickpeas into your weekly meal plan. Whether you're searching for a great side dish or the main appetizer, it's hard to go wrong with this flavorful treat. We can't wait to hear about the fantastic recipes you come up with. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day!