Top 8 reasons why you should eat chickpeas or chana

Chickpeas, known as chana (or chole) in hindi belong to the family of legumes which are widely consumed by Indians. Commonly known as Bengal gram, they impart a unique and delicious taste and flavour to your dishes and curries. Although available in a variety of colours, beige-coloured chickpeas are most common. Apart from being economical, this legume is high in nutrient composition making it a must-eat food. Here are its top eight health benefits –  

Aids in weight loss

Chickpeas are known to be an effective natural aid for weight loss due to their high fibre content. They not only help in controlling your appetite but also make you feel fuller for a long time. This legume is the best source of dietary protein for vegetarians and it also plays a key role in proper weight management.  

Boosts your energy and immunity

Bengal gram is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, in addition to other health essential nutrients like thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus. Manganese is an essential cofactor that plays a vital role in energy production and enhancing your overall immunity.

Stabilizes blood sugar levels

The fact that chickpeas have low glycemic index (GI) makes this legume good for diabetics. It is responsible for slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream and thus, controlling your blood sugar levels. The presence of soluble fiber, high protein and iron content also aid in proper management of sugar levels in the body.

Maintains hormonal levels in women

Chickpeas are a great source of phytonutrients namely phyto-oestrogens (plant hormones) and saponins (anti-oxidants). This legume lowers your risk of breast cancer and protects against osteoporosis by maintaining blood levels of the oestrogen hormone. Chickpeas also help in relieving mood changes during menstruation and post-menopausal symptoms in women.

Prevents anemia

Chickpeas are an excellent dietary source of iron that helps in fulfilling your body’s requirement of this mineral and prevent anemia. Hence women (pregnant, lactating and menstruating), growing children and people at high risk of anaemia are recommended to consume this legume on a daily basis.

Controls your blood pressure

Chickpeas are found to lower your blood pressure by reversing the changes that occur in the blood vessels of hypertensive patients. This legume helps in maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body due to the presence of potassium and magnesium in it. Add this natural and healthy legume to your daily diet in order to lower your blood pressure and lead a healthy life.

Protects from digestive disorders

The high fibre content in chickpeas helps in promoting a healthy digestive system and intestine by lowering the risk of digestive disorders. This legume contains phyto-nutrients, high protein, dietary fibre and a wide range of minerals and vitamins all of which reduce the risk of bowel complications like constipation.

Maintains a healthy heart

It is found that regular intake of black gram exerts a positive effect on your heart and protects from a wide range of cardiac complications. Chickpeas contain high amounts of magnesium and folate which helps in strengthening the blood vessels along with lowering bad cholesterol (LDL – Low density lipoproteins) levels in the body.