Chickpeas, Small but Mighty

Do you know the other name for a chickpea?

a) Yellow pea

b) Golden bean

c) Garbanzo bean

Answer: C!

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that have been consumed for thousands of years. They are a great source of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, and they offer several other health benefits too.

Helping Your Heart Health

The fibre, potassium, magnesium, and folate in chickpeas help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.

Idea: Try a hearty bean stew.

Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Stable

Chickpeas are a low-GI (glycaemic index) food, meaning their energy is released into the bloodstream at a slow and steady rate. This can help manage blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance.

Idea: Snack on hummus and vegetable crudités.

Good Gut Feeling

The high fibre content in chickpeas supports digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the prebiotic fibre found in chickpeas feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting better overall gut health.

Idea: Enjoy a spicy curry with other prebiotic vegetables such as garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

Possible Cancer Prevention

Chickpeas are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. The fibre in chickpeas may also lower the risk of colon cancer by encouraging the growth of healthy gut bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Idea: Try the chickpea brownie recipe

Weight Management

The combination of fibre and protein in chickpeas can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce appetite, making them an excellent food choice for weight management.

Idea: Mix a tin of chickpeas into your next soup.

As you can see, incorporating chickpeas into your diet can improve your overall health and well-being and it's pretty easy to do!

Which of these ideas will you try first?

If you want more recipes featuring chickpeas and other legumes, why not check out Fitfish for a Fiver? You get 5 Fitfish fundamentals each month, including 5 new recipes, PLUS a welcome pack of 25 5-ingredient recipes to get you started.