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Chickpeas Are Deliciously Nutritious

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have a distinctive shape and taste.

The most popular color of this legume is buff, although there are varieties that are black or reddish.

Native to the Middle East, these legumes are well known in Spain, India, France and North Africa. They are becoming popular now in the USA.

They're available year round and you can purchase them dried or canned.

Although they're well known for their role in hummus, chickpeas are great in salads, stews, soups, and casseroles.

Nutritionally chickpeas provide protein, dietary fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and zinc. One cup is approximately 285 calories and an excellent source of fiber.

Chickpeas Health Benefits

Get Rid of that Headache
They contain a mineral, molybdenum, which is known to rid the body of sulfites that cause headaches. Consuming one cup of these beans cooked supply more than the daily requirements for molybdenum.

Packed with Oomph!
They are rich in manganese which is needed to produce superoxide dismutase, an enzyme. This enzyme breaks down damaging free radicals within cells which allows the cells to perform at their best to control physical energy.

Heart Healthy
Extremely rich in folate, one cup of this legume provides over 70% of the daily recommended requirements. Folate lowers the levels of the amino acid, homocysteine and strengthens the blood vessels.

Fiber Rich
Fiber rich foods keep your blood sugar levels stable, keep you feeling fuller longer, and help to prevent cravings. This legume also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that calms anxiety and helps prevent snacking caused by stress.

Healthy Recipes

Hummus

Ingredients:

2 cups canned or cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Juice 1 lemon
1 tablespoon garlic
2 tablespoons sesame paste

Instructions:

Combine chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic and lemon juice in a processor and blend until smooth.

Add the olive oil in slowly and continue to blend in the processor.

Pepper and salt to taste.

Serve with veggies, crackers, pita bread or your favorite.

Vegetable Harvest by Patricia Wells brings the flavor and techiques of French cuisine into your kitchen.

Her recipes include vegetables, nuts, herbs, furits, and legumes.

She includes nutritional information for each recipe and they are very easy to follow and do.

If you like potatoes, one of my favorites is Lemon Roasted Potatoes with Bay Leaves.

The Vegetarian Family Cookbook by Nava Atlas is an excellent resource for great tasting vegetable recipes.

Because it is a vegetarian cookbook, you'll find exceptional recipes that are simple and easy to prepare and the ingredients are found at your local market.

If you have children and need some help getting them to eat their veggies, this is very kid friendly.

She has some great recipes for kid's breakfast meals and great lunches you can pack for them.