CHICKPEA Just the thing for modern men and woman

IN INDIA ,where a large part of the population follows a primarily vegetarian diet,chickpeas area main protein source.

Chickpea

In the same way,chickpea have been a fundamental ingredient in the traditional diet of the people living along the coast of the Mediterranean.

Because of this, perhaps,chickpeas have been considered a "food of the poor" by "modern,developed" city dwellers.However, it is precisely these individuals, menaced by diseases of civilization (arteriosclerosis,heart attack ,stress,etc.) that need a good plate of chickpeas.

PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS: the noteworthy therapeutic properties of the chickpea make this humble legume a dietary food ideal for modern men and women : they help reduce cholesterol and avoid constipation while strengthening the nervous system.

 Additionally, the chickpea is nourishing and balanced as it contain a great deal of energy (364 kcal /100g). It is a good source of the most important nutrients except vitamine B12 (which is true of all plant-based foods). Even provitamin A and vitamins C and E are present, but only in small amounts. The remaining nutrients are well represented in the chickpea:

• Protains:Chickpea provide a significant amount (19.3%),equal or superior to meat and eggs but less than other protein-rich legumes such as soy, lentils,or beans.these are complete proteins that contain all the amino acids (essential and nonessential) with the exception of sulfurated amino acids methionine,which is not found in an optimal proportion.

This protein deficiency,which is true of all legumes in general,has been exaggerated by some nutritional specialists.They have not considered that any grain, such as wheat or rice that is eaten with chickpea more than compensates for it relative lack of methionine. The legume-grain combination protein of excellent biological quality.

• Carbohydrates: Chickpea are very rich in carbohydrates (43.3%),starch being predominant.starch is transformed slowly to glucose during digestion, but it must be well chewed and salivated.

• Fat: Chickpea are 6.04% fat .This is considerably more than lentils or beans, but less than soy. Most of these fat are polyunsaturated.

Vitamins: B group vitamins are the most abundant in chickpeas.One hundred grams of chickpeas provide 0.477mg of vitamin B1,which represents a third of the daily need for this vitamin.Chickpea are also a good source of vitamins B2 and B6. Folates,which are also involved in proper nervous system function and the reduction of heart attack risk ,are very abundant: One hundred grams of chickpea supply almost triple the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of this nutrient.

• Minerals: the most noteworthy are iron (6.24mg/100g, almost three times of  meat),phosphorous (366mg/100g),potassium(875mg/100g),magnesium (115mg/100g),calcium(105mg/100mg), and zinc (3.43mg/100g).
• Chickpea are an almost complete food whose nutritional proportions are quite well balanced. For this reason ,they can be used as the main dish  of a meal ,as is the case in a traditional Mediterranean diet. Eating chickpeas regularly is recommended in the following situations:

1. Increased cholesterol: Chickpeas  contain a moderate amount of high quality (mono and polyunsaturated) fats .(6.04%) that aid in lowering blood cholesterol level. Chickpeas fiber also impedes the absorption of cholesterol from other foods in the intestine (Chickpeas contain no cholesterol). Consequently, eating more chickpeas and fewer meat products reduces cholesterol levels and improves arterial health.Finally,eating chickpea prevents arteriosclerosis in all of its manifestations,including heart attack.

2. Constipation: The fiber in chickpea naturally stimulates intestinal peristaltic action thus moving the feces through the lower digestive tract.

3. Functional disorders of the nervous system due to Bvitamin deficiency, such as irritability,nervousness, and lack of concentration. Chickpeas are highly recommended for those suffering from stress or depression.

4. Pregnancy: For pregnant women this legume is an  ideal food because it is rich in folates, which  prevent nervous system defects in the fetus. Additionally, chickpeas have a very high content of proteins,iron, and other minerals.

8-Benefits-of-Chickpea

Posted by Emmanuel at 15:35

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Labels: Arteries, Foods for Arteries