Top 8 reasons chickpeas or chana are actually good for your health!

Chickpeas, known as chana (or chole) in Hindi belong to the family of legumes that are widely consumed by Indians. Commonly known as Bengal gram, they impart a unique and delicious taste and flavour to your dishes and curries. Although available in a variety of colours, beige-coloured chickpeas are most preferred ones. Apart from being economical, this legume is high in nutritive value making it a healthy option to include in your diet. Here are top eight health benefits of chickpeas you didn’t know.
#1 Aids in weight loss

Chickpeas are known to be an effective natural aid for weight loss due to their high fibre content. They not only help in controlling your appetite but also make you feel fuller for a long time. Being the best source of dietary protein for vegetarians, it also plays a key role in proper weight management.
#2 Boosts your energy and immunity
Bengal gram is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, in addition to other health essential nutrients like thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus. Manganese acts as an essential cofactor that plays a vital role in energy production and enhancing your overall immunity.
#3 Stabilizes blood sugar levels
The fact that chickpeas have low glycemic index (GI) makes this legume good for diabetics. It causes slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream and thus, maintains your blood sugar levels. The presence of soluble fiber, high protein and iron content also aid in the proper management of sugar levels in the body.
#4 Regulates hormonal levels in women
Chickpeas are a great source of phytonutrients namely phyto-oestrogens (plant hormones) and saponins (anti-oxidants). This legume lowers your risk of breast cancer and protects against osteoporosis by maintaining blood levels of the oestrogen hormone. Chickpeas also help in relieving mood changes during menstruation and post-menopausal symptoms in women.
#5 Prevents anemia
Chickpeas are an excellent dietary source of iron that helps in fulfilling your body’s requirement for this mineral and thus, prevent anemia. This is the reason women (pregnant, lactating and menstruating), growing children and people at high risk of anaemia are recommended to consume this legume on a daily basis.
#6 Controls your blood pressure
Chickpeas are found to lower your blood pressure by reversing the changes that occur in the blood vessels of people suffering from hypertension. This legume helps in maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body due to the presence of potassium and magnesium in it.
#7 Protects from digestive problems
The high fibre content in chickpeas helps in promoting a healthy digestive system and intestine by lowering the risk of digestive disorders. This legume contains phytonutrients, high protein, dietary fibre and a wide range of minerals and vitamins all of which reduce the risk of bowel complications like constipation.
#8 Maintains a healthy heart
It is found that regular intake of black gram exerts a positive effect on your heart and protects from a wide range of cardiac complications. Chickpeas contain high amounts of magnesium and folate that helps in strengthening the blood vessels along with lowering bad cholesterol (LDL – Low-density lipoproteins) levels in the body.