6 Health benefits of chickpeas that you should know & bull; hello healthy

Some people may know chickpeas as a typical souvenir from those who have just returned from the holy land. But, you know, besides having a delicious and unique taste, these nuts also have many health benefits, you know! Read on to find out the full benefits of these nuts.

Nutritional content of chickpeas

One cup of cooked chickpeas contains:

269 calories
45 grams of carbohydrates
15 grams of protein
13 grams of dietary fiber
4 grams of fat
0 grams of cholesterol.

In addition, these types of nuts also contain vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, and selenium. Apart from being a vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also contain abundant amounts of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.

The benefits of chickpeas

After knowing the nutritional content in chickpeas, here are some health benefits of chickpeas that you should know:

1. Rich in fiber

These types of nuts contain soluble and insoluble fiber in them. Soluble fiber is useful to help control bile health and insoluble fiber can improve digestive health and hygiene. That is why eating nuts is beneficial for those of you who are trying to lose weight because it can make you feel fuller for longer.

Not only that, because of their high fiber content, chickpeas can also help prevent constipation and improve the smooth operation of the digestive tract system.

2. Relieves inflammation

The choline content in these nuts helps you to improve sleep disorders, flexibility of muscle movement, and improve memory. In addition, the choline content in nuts also helps maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, helps with fat absorption, and reduces chronic inflammation.

3. A good source of protein for vegetarians

Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein. In fact, the protein content in these nuts is more than the protein content in two large eggs. However, the protein in nuts is not "complete" because it is not an animal food, so it does not contain essential amino acids. Even so, you can easily get your amino acids by consuming other protein sources, such as eggs, milk, meat, whole grains and vegetables, throughout the day.

For those of you who are vegetarian, consume these nuts as a substitute for protein intake from animals. Because chickpeas are a good source of protein and do not add calories and unsaturated fats in your body.

4. Stabilize blood sugar

The soluble fiber contained in chickpeas can help keep your blood sugar stable. Therefore, these nuts are good for consumption by those who are suffering from diabetes. Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume a high fiber diet have lower blood glucose levels. As for people with type 2 diabetes, higher fiber intake can increase blood sugar, lipid and insulin levels.

5. Good for heart health

The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B-6 content in chickpeas supports overall heart health. The rich fiber content also helps lower the amount of total cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

In fact, in one study, those who consumed 4,069 milligrams of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared to those who consumed less potassium (about 1,000 mg per day).

6. Maintain bone structure and strength

Iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K in chickpeas play a role in building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Vitamin K has a fairly important role for good bone health because it increases calcium absorption and can reduce the excretion of calcium in the urine. That's why low vitamin K intake is associated with a higher risk of fractures.

Behind its small shape, it turns out that chickpeas have many benefits for your health. Therefore, you can consume it as an alternative to other healthy foods.