Recently, I found fresh green chickpeas in a local grocery store. They look like a mini version of an edamame. I have had green chickpeas several times, but have never seen them fresh in their pods.
Since I mentioned that they look like a mini edamame, do they taste like edamame too? Hey, look for them at your local grocery store, cook some and tell me your thoughts. You might also be able to find them at the freezer aisle.
Anyway, I love them: green hummus, falafel or simply blanch them and add to my salads. Since they are the younger version of chickpeas, I am curious about the nutritional values, and the health benefits. We already know chickpeas are a good source of protein. In my research, I also found out that green chickpeas can help with healthy weight loss as well.
How Green Chickpeas Help with Healthy Weight Loss
Weight loss doesn’t have to mean starving yourself. In fact, it definitely shouldn’t mean that. Depriving your body of nutrients isn’t good for you and it’s not the right way to achieve a healthy body weight. If you want to lose weight, it’s much better for your health – and much more successful – to eat healthy, nutrient dense foods that keep you full without being high in calories. One food that is low in calories and fat, but high in nutrition, is green chickpeas[i].
What Are Green Chickpeas?
Green chickpeas (sometimes called green garbanzo or green chana[ii]) are a variety of chickpeas that are typically grown in India and the Indian subcontinent, as well as in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Iran. They are one of the oldest crops in the world and one of the most nutrient-dense.
Chickpeas are a good source of fibre, protein, and B vitamins[iii], as well as folate, magnesium, potassium, and other important nutrients[iv].
Green chickpeas are typically harvested earlier than tan chickpeas[v]. However, they contain the same nutrients and nutritional value. Along with the nutrients and vitamins they contain, green chickpeas are also a good choice to add to your diet because they support healthy digestion and help regulate blood sugar.
Why Green Chickpeas a Great for Weight Loss
In addition to being nutritious, green chickpeas are also a great choice for anyone who wishes to lose weight. There are many reasons why. One is that they provide you with a sense of fullness while also giving you many nutrients. This is because they contain high amounts of protein and fibre, which work to promote fullness by slowing digestion[vi]. This means that not only will eating green chickpeas make you feel full, but you’ll stay full for longer. As a result, you’ll eat less calories without decreasing the amount of nutrients you take in.
The fibre in green chickpeas is also water-soluble, so it aids in digestion and helps reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract[vii]. Digestive problems make it difficult to absorb nutrients and can contribute to bloating and even weight gain[viii].
Chickpeas are a very versatile food, and they can be used in many different healthy recipes. One of the best ways to use them is to add them to existing meals. For instance, use a hefty amount the next time you make a salad. This will boost the nutritional content of the meal and help keep you full, so you won’t over-eat something unhealthy later.
Green chickpeas also make a great snack. Simply sauté them with salt and pepper with a dash of olive oil and you’ll have a crunchy and delicious alternative to potato chips or other snack foods.
References: [i] VeryWell Fit. “Chickpea Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.verywellfit.com/chickpeas-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4118486 [ii] The Times of India. “Reasons Why Green Chana Is The Best Desi Seasonal Superfood” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/reasons-why-green-chana-is-the-best-desi-seasonal-superfood/photostory/89495056.cms?picid=89495072 [iii] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chickpeas-garbanzo-beans/ [iv] Netmeds.com. “Green Chickpeas: The New Winter Superfood Is Here” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/green-chickpeas-the-new-winter-superfood-is-here-checkout-the-infographic-for-benefits [v] Tessemae’s. “The Green Garbanzo: Chickpea’s Younger And Healthier Sister” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.tessemaes.com/blogs/blog/11723413-the-green-garbanzo-chickpea-s-younger-and-healthier-sister [vi] Healthline. “10 Science-Backed Benefits of Chickpeas” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chickpeas-nutrition-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3 [vii] Healthier Steps. “Green Chickpeas” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://healthiersteps.com/green-chickpeas/ [viii] Redbook. “9 Ways Digestive Problems Could Be Totally Screwing With Your Weight” Retrieved 8 May 2023. https://www.redbookmag.com/body/health-fitness/a42341/digestive-problems/