Monarch
Wellness
Chickpeas for the Win!
By: Tracy Conder, RD, CSSD
ODU Campus Dietitian
Chickpeas, otherwise known as garbanzo beans, are little but mighty in the nutrition world.
Considered a superfood, chickpeas pack a powerful punch with key nutrients like 15 grams
protein, 12.5 grams fiber and 25% of the RDI for iron in just one cup. That means we can
use chickpeas to help build muscle mass and build our immune system, keep our digestive
system strong, control blood sugar, feel full longer to help maintain a healthy weight,
reduce cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, reduce inflammation, slow the aging
process, and so much more! Wow! Any one of these reasons would make me rush out to
the store and buy chickpeas.
Chickpeas are inexpensive, running around $1.48/ 15-oz can for the organic, non-GMO
chickpeas. Are you ready to eat chickpeas yet? If so, I hope you like variety because
traditionally in Greece chickpeas were included in soups and stews, eaten as a snack
and even included in sweet desserts. My favorite way to include chickpeas is on top of a
kale and feta cheese salad with craisins and almonds, in homemade kale hummus, eaten
alone as crunchy roasted chickpeas with spices like paprika, and my new favorite is to use
chickpeas as the base in a healthy cookie dough recipe served with green apple slices!
So, go get some chickpeas, go get creative, and go get healthier! Enjoy!
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