Chickpeas

Chickpea is one of the vegetables being grown from ancient times. Chickpeas are very rich in proteins and are good source for those who needs protein diet. There are various types of chickpeas, divided as desi and kabully. Those being cultivated in sub-continent and middle-east with darker seeds and rough coat are known as desi chickpeas. Whereas those in west and other parts with smooth coat, light color are termed as kabully chickpeas.

Chickpeas are mostly used in cooking or also used in making salads. We can get the flour of chickpeas when these are grinded and that flour is used further to make other products like falafel.

Chickpeas contain many minerals such as zinc, folate and proteins. People with diabetes can also consume chickpeas, these are dietary fiber and contains only healthy carbohydrates which does not increase blood sugar level. For cholesterol sensitive or cardiac patients chickpeas are equally important and consumable as these are low in fat and polyunsaturated.

And research has also found that consumption of chickpeas helps reduce cholesterol in bloodstreams.

Nutritional value per 100 grams of chickpeas:

• Energy 164kj
• Fat 2.6g
• Dietary fiber 7.6g
• Protein 8.9g
• Phosphorus 49-53mg