Chickpeas and their amazing nutritional benefits – Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)

Chickpeas have been grown and consumed in middle eastern countries for centuries and are thought to have originated in Turkey.

Chickpeas are part of the legume family and are excellent on the nutrition front as they are a low cost, source of protein (often enjoyed in vegan and vegetarian meals as they are a great replacement for meat). Chickpeas contain almost all the essential amino acids that the body needs, except for methionine, so therefore it is important to add another protein source such as grains to chickpeas to obtain the full amino acid complement.  They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Some of the key nutrients that they provide include vitamin E, magnesium, choline, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and folate.

Health benefits…….

When it comes to general health, chickpeas offer some amazing health benefits including: improving digestion and preventing constipation, aiding weight management (they reduce the appetite and promote a feeling of fullness), in skin health and in disease prevention.

Chickpeas are very high in folate and this helps to lower levels of blood homocysteine which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. They are high in insoluble fibre, which is able to bind to excess cholesterol and remove it from the body – this helps in the prevention of digestive disorders and constipation.

The very fact that chickpeas are rich in magnesium is a winner for those who need help to get a good night’s sleep and reduce stress. Magnesium is also important in heart health and reducing the symptoms of PMS.

Chickpeas contain a good amount of soluble fibre which may help promote the growth of the ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut benefitting not only gut health but general health too.

When it comes to fertility……

Chickpeas are high in natural oestrogen which can help with balancing hormones to optimise fertility. The protein in chickpeas helps to balance out carbohydrate foods which, when it comes to fertility, is important in the regulation of sugar, and especially important for those with PCOS and also those watching their weight.

The folate provided by chickpeas contributes to red blood cell formation and energy metabolism, may help to prevent early pregnancy defects, is important re sperm quality, helps to counteract stress and inflammation and plays an important role in the prevention of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

Chickpeas are a good source of choline too. Choline is classed as a B vitamin and the body cannot make enough of it to meet it’s needs. Studies are now suggesting that it is important during the development of the neural tube. So, eat your chickpeas! Egg yolk is another great source of choline as are shiitake mushrooms, potatoes and milk.

A great and easy way to add more chickpeas to your diet is to make your own hummus. Why not give it a try?

You will need:

1 can of chickpeas (you may wish to use dried chickpeas but will need to soak them for a few hours first)

2 cloves of garlic crushed

65 ml of olive oil

½ lemon (juice and zest)

3 tsp of tahini (sesame seed paste)

40ml of water

To make:

Rinse the chickpeas and tip into a food processor with the olive oil and blitz until smooth. Add the garlic, lemon and tahini paste along with 30ml of water and blitz again. Add water a little at a time as required until you achieve the required consistency. Enjoy your homemade hummus with crudités!

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