Behind the savory and crunchy taste, there are a myriad of benefits of chickpeas that you can get. Chickpeas are included in the legume group, just like peanuts and kidney beans. These nuts contain a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to health, but are relatively low in calories.
Chickpeas are actually called garbanzo beans or chickpeas, but because these beans are grown in Middle Eastern countries and are often used as souvenirs typical of Mecca, these beans have become known as chickpeas in Indonesia.
The various benefits of chickpeas are obtained from its abundant nutritional content. Chickpeas are included in the type of beans that can be a source of vegetable protein. In addition, chickpeas also contain other nutrients, such as fiber, carbohydrates, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, and magnesium.
Various Benefits of Chickpeas for Health
You can add chickpeas to soups, salads, or sandwich. But these nuts can also be eaten alone as a healthy snack that is not only delicious, but also brings many benefits.
The following are the various benefits of chickpeas that you can get:
1. Control your weight
The first benefit of chickpeas is to help control weight. As mentioned earlier, chickpeas are relatively low in calories, so consuming these nuts will not significantly increase your weight.
In addition, the protein and fiber present in chickpeas also play a role in increasing metabolic processes and reducing appetite. That way, your weight will be more controlled.
2. Control blood sugar levels
Eating chickpeas can also help control blood sugar levels. Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, so they won't raise blood sugar drastically. That way, you will avoid the risk of suffering from diabetes.
Not only that, the fiber and protein content in chickpeas is also thought to play a role in controlling and metabolizing blood sugar. Fiber can slow down the absorption of sugar in the intestines, while protein is known to activate sugar metabolism processes in the body.
3. Supports digestive system function
Chickpeas are also useful for supporting digestive function. The fiber content in chickpeas can increase the number of good bacteria or probiotics and prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the intestines.
This can reduce the risk of various digestive problems, ranging from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, to colon cancer.
4. Reducing the risk of heart disease
Chickpeas are also believed to reduce the risk of heart disease. Chickpeas contain fiber, magnesium, and potassium, nutrients that have a major role in heart health.
These nutrients can prevent high blood pressure and reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, the two main risk factors for heart disease.
5. Prevent cancer
Eating chickpeas regularly is thought to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. The benefits of this one chickpea are thought to come from the content of saponin compounds which are known to inhibit tumor growth.
In addition, chickpeas are also thought to increase the production of butyrate in the body. Butyrate is a fatty acid that has the potential to reduce inflammation in cells in the colon, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Although these various benefits still need to be researched further, there's nothing wrong with including nuts that are rich in these nutrients in your daily menu or snacks for you and your family.
However, if you are allergic to legumes, such as peanuts, soybeans, or peas, you are more likely to be allergic to chickpeas too. So, it is important to monitor whether there is an allergic reaction after eating chickpeas.
If you want to get the benefits of chickpeas but are still unsure because you have certain health conditions, you should first consult with your doctor before consuming them.