A Nutritional Powerhouse

It’s a legume that has been around for centuries originating in Syria.  It is versatile, can be used in savory dishes or sweet treats. 

It is full of protein and chock full of nutrients, it’s gluten-free and good for diabetics.

Did you guess chickpeas?  You might even call them garbanzo beans. You are right!

According to the U.S Agriculture’s FoodData Central, one cup of chickpeas contains:

• 269 calories
• 14.5 grams (g) of protein
• 4.25 g of fat
• 44.9 g of carbohydrates
• 12.5 g of dietary fiber
• 80.4 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 4.74 mg of iron
• 78.7 mg of magnesium
• 276 mg of potassium
• 11.5 mg of sodium

The healthiness of chickpeas is because they are a complete protein, meaning that they contain nine essential amino acids.  Amino acids help our body function properly.

Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in chickpeas are tremendous.  You get good amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.  Add in Vitamins A, E and C and voila!.

Chickpeas give you a powerhouse of healthiness for your body. 

Hummus comes to mind as one way to eat chickpeas but there are many recipes for dinners with chickpeas and you can always add them to your salad. 

Don’t forget about chickpea pasta too. Chickpea pasta has more protein and nutrients than white pasta.  It is also a bit milder in taste than wheat pasta.  

For something sweet you can use them in muffins, blondies and other sweet desserts.  

Private Home Health Care loves to add chickpeas to our meals to get as much protein and nutrients as possible.  Buy some and enjoy!

Photo by Kyle Killam