Garbanzo bean, also called chickpeas or Bengal Gram, is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking.
These tiny beans are tasty and full of nutrients which offer many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Garbanzo Beans
Legumes are essential for a healthy, balanced diet. Garbanzo beans contain compounds that have anticancer, antioxidant, antihypertensive and hypocholesterolemic effects. They are essential for a healthy diet and can even prevent certain chronic diseases.
Some of the reasons to eat chickpeas or garbanzos are:
- Fiber-rich foods are better for digestion, nutrient absorption, and will keep you fuller for longer. This means you’re less likely to overeat.
- Garbanzo beans have a high protein content and are likely to provide a more complete, higher-quality protein profile than any other legume.
- Chickpeas are low in glycemic load. This means that they absorb slowly and do not cause blood sugar spikes.
- Magnesium and potassium are abundant. These minerals are vital for bone and heart health.
- Chickpeas have saponins, which are linked to preventing certain cancers and reducing tumor growth.
- Magnesium, selenium and zinc are all important nutrients that can help to prevent depression and anxiety.
Garbanzo beans have many health benefits.
How To Eat Garbanzo Beans
You can incorporate garbanzos in many different ways. Add them to soups, stews and curries or make your own homemade hummus.
Although you can buy them canned, many prefer to purchase them dried and cook them themselves.
Garbanzo beans are similar to other dried beans in that they need to be soaked for a while before eating.
The dried chickpeas should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours, and then drained and rinsed. Place the chickpeas in a pot, add fresh water and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least one hour. They will then be soft and ready for eating.
Because they have a mild taste, they can be cooked with other vegetables, herbs and spices.
Garbanzo beans offer a variety of health benefits. Find new recipes that use this versatile and delicious ingredient. This ingredient could become a favorite in your home.
