Dorothy FarrarChickpeas
Chickpeas have been used as crops for over 8000 years. They mainly thrive in warm climates and originally come from Asia Minor. They contain valuable ingredients that are not only an important source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Regular consumption is recommended as it can prevent various diseases.
Here’s what you should know about chickpeas
Chickpeas are also called real giggles or Venus giggles. The legume belongs to the subgroup of the legume family. It is not related to the pea. The herbaceous, annual plant grows up to one meter high and prefers to thrive in subtropical areas.
The main growing areas today are India, Afghanistan, North Africa, Mexico, Turkey and also southern European countries such as Spain. In less warm countries, the yields of the plant are unpromising. Main producers are Australia and India. In India and North Africa, the chickpea is one of the staple foods.
The use of the crop dates back 8000 years. It was originally cultivated in Asia Minor, found its way through the Near East to the Mediterranean region and finally to Europe.
Chickpeas make hardly any demands on the soil and get by with small amounts of water. The time from germination to harvest is between 2-3 months. The legumes can be picked fresh or dried. When freshly harvested, only the greenish and unripe pods are collected. With a dry picking, all parts of the plant are harvested.
Chickpeas are actually the seeds of the plant. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and are very filling, wholesome foods.
importance to health
The scholar Hildegard von Bingen already used the positive health effects of the legume. Nowadays, the effects of chickpeas on the human organism have been scientifically studied. Regular consumption of chickpeas is recommended by numerous health organizations.
Consuming chickpeas once a week can protect against various diseases. The ingredients in chickpeas have a blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering effect. The consumption of chickpeas is therefore well suited for people with diabetes mellitus . Furthermore, the ingredients of the legume are suitable for the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system .
Due to the high fiber content, the consumption of chickpeas contributes to intestinal health . Consumption can protect against diseases of this organ, such as colon cancer. The protein-rich fruit is particularly suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is very high in protein and therefore a good alternative to animal foods.
165 grams of boiled peas already cover 70 percent of the daily folic acid requirement and 25 percent of the iron requirement. Legumes such as chickpeas make a good contribution to a wholesome diet.
Ingredients & nutritional values
The legumes are very nutritious and keep you full for a long time. They are made up of 20 percent protein. The proportion of the essential amino acid lysine is very high. Chickpeas also contain 40 percent carbohydrates and 12 percent fiber. In addition to vitamins B1 and B6, the minerals magnesium and iron and the trace element folic acid are nutritionally valuable ingredients.
intolerances
An intolerance is an oversensitive reaction of the human body to a specific allergen. On the one hand, this manifests itself in unspecific symptoms such as headaches and is often characterized by problems such as skin rashes or breathing difficulties . If you have an intolerance to chickpeas, other legumes should also be avoided. In addition to peas and lentils , this also includes products made from soya .
Shopping and kitchen tips
Chickpeas are available in many supermarkets, organic stores, and health food stores. If stored dry and cool, unsealed preserves will last almost indefinitely. The chickpeas can be purchased dried or already cooked. The latter variant is the faster option for later preparation.
Raw chickpeas contain an indigestible toxin. This disappears after exposure to heat. Raw consumption of the legume should therefore be avoided. Before preparing various dishes, dried chickpeas must be soaked. Cold water should be used for this. The fruit must be placed in this for at least 12-24 hours. The chickpeas can also be processed into flour.
preparation tips
Chickpeas are a good addition to various rice or pasta dishes. They are also suitable for preparing soups and stews. The legumes are processed into tasty falafel balls, especially in the Orient. A dip or couscous goes well with this .
Furthermore, a mash of chickpeas is the basis of humus. Humus is very nutritious and healthy and is a good substitute for spreads and cheese . Mediterranean flavors such as cumin , coriander , cinnamon , cloves and paprika go well with chickpeas .
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.