The chickpea is a legume of the Fabaceae family and is really high in protein content. It is one of the earliest cultivated legumes as 7,500 year old remains have been discovered in Middle East. 

One variety that is sometimes mistaken for a nut is roasted chickpeas, which can be readily consumed anytime, without any other preparation. Chickpeas have a delicious, nutlike taste and a texture that is buttery, uet somewhat starchy and pasty.

 This variety of roasted chickpeas is humidified to make the chickpeas go soft, oven baked and then a white, crocante coating is added ontop for a crunchy, tasty treat. 

Medicinal Applications:

•       Chickpear are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Dietary fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that snares bile, which contains cholesterol, and flushes it out of the body. Insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders.

•       Chickpeas are a rich source of protein. When combined with whole grain such as whole-wheat protein, they provide amounts of protein comparable to that of meat or dairy foods withouth the high calories or saturated fats.

•       Roasted chickpeas contain excellent amounts of the trace mineral manganese, which is a essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

•       Roasted chichpeas contain a high amount of iron. This is particuarly important for menstruating women, pregnant or lactating women and growing children. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is part of the key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism.

•       Soluble fiber, which is present in roasted chickpeas, helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If one suffers from insulin resistance, hypoglecemia or diabetes, roasted chickpeas can help in balancing blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy.

•       Regular consumption of chickpeas can lower LDL and total cholesterol. They also contain important amounts of folate and magnesium. Folate lowers the level of the homocysteine amino acid and strengthens blood vessels. Chickpeas can thus lower the risk of heart attack.

•       Roasted chickpeas contain phytochemicals called saponins, which act as antioxidants inside the body. It could lower the risk of breast cancer, protect against osteoporosis and minimize hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

•       Due to high fiber content and low GI, chickpeas are excellent for weight loss diets.