हिंदी ब्लॉग 
Chickpea, popularly known as Chana, is one of the best sources of protein and fiber. Enriched in essential amino acids, vegetarian and vegan people consume chickpea as a replacement to meat products. Apart from macronutrients, Chickpeas are also rich in various vitamins and minerals.
Chickpea is a wonder plant-based legume as antioxidants and lipid-lowering properties in Chickpea help reduce cardiovascular problems and eliminate the risk of heart problems. Consumption of Chickpeas is also beneficial for people who have diabetes because it maintains blood sugar levels and regulates insulin secretion in the body. In addition to this, Chickpea improves the skin's health with antioxidant properties and improves the digestion process with the proper amount of proteins and fibers.
Chickpea also contains some anti-nutritional factors that should be removed by soaking and frying it properly before consumption, as raw and improperly cooked chickpeas can be proved harmful for the body causing gas bloating in the stomach.
What are the other names for Chickpeas?
Chickpeas or Chana is known by different names in different parts of the world. Cicerarietinum is its most commonly used and scientific name. Apart from these, it is also known as Imas, Chholaa, Bengal gram, Gram, Chanya, But, Chunnaa, Chane, Chholaa, Kadale, Katal, Harbaraa, Katalai, Kadalai, Kondakkadalai, Sangalu, among many others.
Benefits of using Chickpea in various treatments
Many studies conducted till now have shown the beneficial effects of Chickpea in several ways. Be it a low-risk or high-risk disease; Chickpea has been acting as a catalyst in treating these diseases. It also acts as a blessing for the treatment and ailment of many diseases and health problems like acne, digestion, diabetes, hyperpigmentation, etc. Here are some of the wonderful uses of Chickpea:-
- Helps in combating with diabetes
Chickpeas are good for diabetic patients because of its low glycemic index and heavy properties. Chickpeas help maintain blood sugar levels. Moreover, chickpeas' carbohydrates content makes it difficult to digest, reducing the absorption of sugar in the blood. Hence, diabetic patients witness less increase in the glucose level suddenly.
Tips
- Chickpeas are soaked for a night
- Cook the soaked chickpeas, either by boiling or frying
- Add onion, tomato, chilly, coriander, or any other vegetable per your taste and preference in the cooked chickpeas.
- Add any other spice, salt, or lemon juice for increasing the taste and flavor of the chickpeas.
- Eat the chickpea salad either in breakfast or along with any other meal.
- Beneficial for managing weight
Chickpeas are beneficial in controlling obesity and managing weight issues in humans. Chickpeas are heavy and hence reduce food cravings, keeping the person fuller for a long time. Chickpeas also take more time to digest and hence reduce the intake of excessive food. Hence, it is considered good for managing weight and reducing obesity.
Tips
- Chickpeas are soaked for a night
- Cook the soaked chickpeas, either by boiling or frying
- Add onion, tomato, chilly, coriander, or any other vegetable per your taste and preference in the cooked chickpeas.
- Add any other spice, salt, or lemon juice for increasing the taste and flavor of the chickpeas.
- Eat the chickpea salad either in breakfast or along with any other meal.
- Reduces the problem of acne
Acne is caused due to aggravated Kaphadosha in the body. Chickpeas, if applied on the face in the pack form, reduce the problem of acne. Ayurvedic suggests that chickpeas reduce sebum production and open the clogged pores, minimizing the white or blackhead formation. Apart from this, Pitta Dosha fluctuations are also responsible for red bumps on the skin and some pus-forming pimples. Pitta Dosha also leads to inflammation, along with acne all over the face. Chickpea flour possesses Pitta and KaphaDosha properties and hence reduces the symptoms and consequences of acne problem. Moreover, Sita or cold nature decreases the inflammation problem of the skin.
Tips
- Soak chickpeas for the entire night
- Grind the soaked chickpeas to make its paste.
- Mix ½ - 1 teaspoon of paste with turmeric or sandalwood powder.
- Massage the face pack
- Please keep it for 15-30 minutes or until dried properly.
- Wash the pack with fresh water.
- Pat dry the skin
- Use this face pack twice a week to resolve the problem of acne.
- Controls the hyperpigmentation in skin
Excessive Pitta causes hyperpigmentation in the skin. Chickpeas have Pitta balancing properties; hence they are considered good for curing hyperpigmentation. The excess oil balancing and reducing the sebum production provides a healthy glow to the skin. Moreover, the skin heals in the best way by applying chickpeas as it has some Ropan or healing properties.
Tips
- Dry roast the chickpea dal and grind it to make powder
- Mix ½ - 1 teaspoon of prepared chickpea flour to make a paste with either yogurt or lemon juice.
- Use the face pack
- Massage the entire face in a circular motion with fingertips.
- Please keep it for 15-30 minutes or until dried properly.
- Wash the face properly with fresh water
- Pat dry the skin
- Use this remedy thrice in seven days to reduce the hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Side effects of Chickpea
While Chickpea is magically infused with nutritional properties, it is also found to have certain side effects if overly consumed, especially because of its heavy nature and Guru Nature. Chickpeas are difficult to digest, and hence, it creates many digestive problems if not consumed properly. It is also responsible for gastric problems and heaviness in the stomach if over consumed. Hence, it is advisable to consume chickpeas after proper processing, either by soaking and frying before consumption.
Ways to consume or use Chickpeas in different forms
Internal Consumption
Chickpeas are extremely versatile and can be consumed in various forms. One can eat it as a salad or can make a hummus dressing. Indians also consume chickpeas as a dish after cooking it with various spices.
Chickpeas are also consumed as flour in the form of chilla, roti, or many other delicacies. Below are some variants of chickpea dishes:-
Chickpea Salad
- Chickpeas are soaked for a night
- Cook the soaked chickpeas, either by boiling or frying
- Add onion, tomato, chilly, coriander, or any other vegetable per your taste and preference in the cooked chickpeas.
- Add any other spice, salt, or lemon juice for increasing the taste and flavor of the chickpeas.
- Eat the chickpea salad either in breakfast or along with any other meal.
- Soak the chickpeas for an entire night.
- Boil the chickpeas properly
- Grind the chickpeas with olive oil, chilly, ginger, and black pepper to make hummus. Add salt.
- Enjoy it as a dip with any other dish.
FAQ's about Chickpeas
Are Chickpeas good in taste?
Chickpeas are very famous in Indian and Mexican cuisines. It is extremely flavourful with an excellent taste and can be used in versatility with other dishes.
Can Chickpea be considered as Nuts?
No, Chickpeas belong to leguminous species and are considered legumes and not nuts.
Is it possible to freeze soaked Chickpeas?
Yes. You can store chickpeas in frozen form after soaking too. It has a shelf life of around 3-4 days if kept in proper freezing temperature. It is advisable to remove extra moisture from the soaked peas before keeping it in an airtight container for freezing.
Does Chickpea have lots of carbohydrates?
Yes. Chickpeas contain a high amount of carbohydrates along with proteins. About 60% of Chickpea's weight is from carbohydrates content normally stored in the seeds' endosperm. Other than that, carbohydrates in the fiber are found in the seed coat.
Can Chickpeas be eaten in a lot of quantity?
Undoubtedly, chickpeas are rich in major nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and dietary fiber, consumption of chickpeas is advisable. However, eating chickpeas in excess can cause various digestive issues.
Is Chickpea responsible for gastric problems?
As suggested by Ayurvedic studies, chickpeas possess Guru or heavy property; hence, they can cause gas and digestive problems if not processed properly before consumption. Hence, do soak or fry the chickpeas before eating it to prevent gastric problems.
Does Chickpea help in weight management?
Low glycemic index, high content of dietary fiber, and protein content in the chickpeas can help manage weight. Eating chickpeas will keep a person fuller for a longer time as it is digested slowly. Moreover, it also minimizes the accumulation of fat globules, increasing body metabolism.
Can Chickpea be considered a superfood?
A superfood is a food product rich in major and minor nutrients and provides ample benefits to the body. Chickpea is enriched in all the essential amino acids making it a perfect protein source. Apart from this, Chickpeas also have carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of chickpea also add to the tag of superfood in chickpeas. It is a wonder food that also holds a superfood tag that helps maintain cholesterol, weight, and blood glucose.
Can Chickpea be considered beneficial for diabetic patients?
Chickpeas have a low glycemic index. It is full of amylose and starch, which is slowly digested by humans. The slow digestion of chickpeas reduces the blood sugar ingestion and hence reducing the requirement for insulin. Moreover, the low glycemic index of chickpeas also helps in blood sugar management in diabetic patients.
Can Chickpea be used for building muscles?
Chickpeas are rich in protein and essential amino acids used for building muscles. Though there are no proper scientific shreds of evidence, it is still considered good for building muscles.
Can Chickpea be used to cure gastritis?
Gastritis, also known as dyspepsia, is cured and managed by regular intake of chickpeas. Moreover, chickpeas also help reduce the flatulence in the body, which is a potential symptom of gastritis.
Does Chickpea lower the high cholesterol level?
Chickpeas contain traces of phytosterols and dietary fibers, which reduces the amount of LDL or low-density lipoprotein. Consumption of chickpeas also minimizes the cholesterol absorption by intestines.
Is Chickpea helpful for women during pregnancy?
Yes, Chickpeas are extremely beneficial for pregnant women. Chickpeas are full of folate, which reduces the risk of miscarriages and health defects in newborns. Rich in vitamin B6 and proteins, Chickpeas provide a lot of nutrition to the fetus. Iron content enhances the metabolism, and dietary fibers reduce the risk of constipation in pregnant women.
How is Chickpea flour or Chana flour helpful?
- According to scientific studies
Roasted and grounded chickpeas result in nutritious flour, which is also gluten-free. It is also known as gram flour. Chickpea flour is highly rich in vitamins, iron, proteins, and carbohydrates, which beneficially replaces the normal wheat flour. Additionally, chickpea flour contains antioxidants and dietary fibers, which acts as a shield against cell damage and free radical attack.
- According to Ayurvedic studies
Ayurveda suggests that chickpea flour possesses Grahi or absorbent and Balya or strengthening properties. So, chickpeas consumption helps control motion in XXXiarrhea issues and provides muscle strength by maintaining good health conditions.
Is it fine to eat Chickpeas at night?
Chickpeas contain a high amount of vitamin B6, magnesium, and tryptophan, which is useful for a sound and good sleep. Hence, chickpeas can be eaten at night for enriching the sleep pattern.
Does chickpeas intake affect brain health in any way?
Chickpeas do affect brain health but in a beneficial manner. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that chickpeas' consumption is good for the brains and nervous system for its magnesium content. Magnesium regulates brain health, relaxes the blood vessels, and increases the blood flow to the brain. All these factors of chickpeas also help in combating depression.
Is Chickpea good or bad for skin health?
Chickpea is considered good for skin as it is rich in antioxidants, which reduces the blemishes and wrinkles on the skin. For keeping a healthier and glowing skin, chickpeas are very useful. Chickpea also possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. Chickpeas maintain the oil secretion on the face and control acne. External application of a chickpea face pack with milk, honey, or turmeric can minimize the face scar and makes the skin glowing.
How is Chickpea powder face mask helpful for improving skin health?
- According to the scientific view
Chickpea flour face mask is used with different other substances to maintain the good health of the skin. Exfoliation and removing the dead skin cells with chickpea flour is very common among many people. The chickpea face mask helps in skin brightening withdrawing extra impurities from the skin. It also regulates the oil secretion and helps in reducing the tanning. It also evens the skin tone.
Tips: -
- Mix 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour in water.
- Add turmeric, honey, sandalwood powder as per the skin type in the chickpea paste.
- Forgiving appropriate consistency to the face pack, add 1 tablespoon of yogurt to it.
- Apply the mixture properly on the cleansed face.
- Keep the face pack on the face for 10-15 minutes and wash it with warm water.
- Pat dry for a soft and supple skin
- According to the Ayurvedic view
Fluctuations in Pitta and KaphaDosha increases the blemishes and wrinkles on the skin. Ropan or healing and Sita or cold properties of Chickpeas manage the acne problem and minimize aging signs, making the skin glow and soft.
