Introduction
Chickpeas are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. But did you know that eating chickpeas can have some surprising side effects? According to science, eating chickpeas can have a range of positive and negative effects on your health. In this article, we will explore the surprising side effects of eating chickpeas, according to science. We will discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with consuming chickpeas, as well as how to incorporate them into your diet in a healthy way.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Chickpeas, According to Science
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular legume that are packed with nutrition. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But did you know that eating chickpeas can also have some surprising side effects? Here’s what science has to say about the potential benefits and drawbacks of eating chickpeas.
Benefits of Eating Chickpeas
Eating chickpeas can have some positive side effects. Studies have shown that consuming chickpeas can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and even aid in weight loss. Chickpeas are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and reduce your risk of developing certain diseases.
Drawbacks of Eating Chickpeas
While there are many benefits to eating chickpeas, there are also some potential drawbacks. Eating too many chickpeas can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and gas. Additionally, chickpeas are high in calories and can cause weight gain if eaten in excess. Finally, some people may be allergic to chickpeas, so it’s important to be aware of any potential reactions.
Bottom Line
Eating chickpeas can have some surprising side effects, both positive and negative. While they are a great source of nutrition, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of eating too many chickpeas. If you’re looking to add chickpeas to your diet, be sure to do so in moderation and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
If you’re a vegetarian or try to eat plant-based most of the time, you’re likely familiar with chickpeas. This high-protein legume is part of the ‘bean’ family and is a tasty component of many recipes. In just one cup, eating chickpeas offers your body 10 to 15 grams of protein, 9 to 12 grams of fiber, 4 grams of fat, and 34 to 45 grams of carbohydrates. In short: they’re a powerhouse of nutrients.
They can be served soft or crunchy, salty or slightly sweet, and they still offer lots of vitamins and minerals. When you include chickpeas in your meal planning, you’ll give your body a wellness boost. Pay attention to how you feel after eating chickpeas. If you start to have any sort of stomach issues or other symptoms, consult your doctor. Though most people enjoy the taste and benefits of these bite-sized legumes, some may not digest them well.
From what creates addicting hummus to the perfect addition on top of a salad or warm bowl, chickpeas are a mostly healthy addition to your balanced diet. Here, we explore the side effects of eating chickpeas, including the good and the not-so-good. And for even more healthy tips be sure to check out Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.
Fiber is an essential part of digestion, and yet, some people struggle to get enough of it every day. Luckily, chickpeas soar in this category, particularly with a high dose of soluble fiber called raffinose. This helps you to digest your food more slowly since the good kind of bacteria breaks down the raffinose. Also, bowel movements might be more comfortable and more frequent, according to one study about chickpeas.
Here are 9 Warning Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Fiber.
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For optimum vitality and energy, it’s essential to manage your cholesterol. How come? This stat can contribute to heart disease, obesity, strokes, and other serious illnesses. Because chickpeas are packed with soluble fiber, it improves our gut health and thus, lowers our cholesterol levels.
Along with chickpeas, here are 17 Foods That Lower Cholesterol.
Our bodies are impressive things, able to fight disease, create organs during pregnancy and protect us against viruses, environmental factors, and more. When we feed our body nutrient-rich foods, like eating chickpeas, it’s like giving ourselves a helping hand. In fact, when we consume chickpeas, our bodies produce ‘butyrate,’ a short-chain fatty acid. Some studies have shown this fatty acid can fight sick and/or dying cells. Another study goes a step further and says this could lower our overall risk for colorectal cancer!
Like many other legumes, chickpeas are packed with fiber, magnesium, and calcium. These present many wonders for our body, but one of the most significant is building stronger healthier bones.
As with anything that’s packaged from a manufacturer, canned chickpeas often contain an added preservative to ensure freshness and taste. Though this doesn’t pose a risk most of the time, in some cases, the metal could be problematic. One study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that sometimes, the cans or lids can rust and leak into our food. That’s why it’s best to store canned goods in a dry, dark place and consume them within one year of purchase.
Though the risk for contracting botulism from canned goods is very low, it’s still there, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism is common when someone cans food at home, and the canning process wasn’t done properly. This serious illness is rare and is caused by bacteria that disrupt the nervous system. Sometimes, when canned foods aren’t stored properly, this bacteria can thrive, particularly in low-salt, low-oxygen, and low-sugar solutions, like chickpeas.
Since chickpeas are healthy, you can have as much as you’d like, right? Not so much. While they are a source of protein, fiber, iron, and zinc, they can also be turned into various snacks and meals that rack up the calories and fat components. Two examples are hummus and falafel, both of which should be eaten in moderation.
If you pay attention to the packaging on chickpeas in Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and any other grocery store, you’ll notice ‘gluten-free’ isn’t printed on their label. But, since legumes don’t contain legumes or other sources of gluten, shouldn’t that messaging be apparent? The reason manufacturers shy away from this language is due to the risk of cross-contamination. Some preserves could be derived from grains, so to be on the safe side, they don’t call it a gluten-free food.
So if you find yourself with a can of chickpeas and you’re ready to reap the benefits of this nutritional superstar, check out our list of 29 Healthy Chickpea Recipes.