7 Nutritional Benefits of Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are reddish brown legumes used in a variety of dishes. This wholesome and nutritious bean is used to make chilli, soups and rice dishes. If you haven't tried this tasty bean, then keep reading. Here are seven nutritional benefits of kidney beans. You'll learn how this super legume is good for your diet.  

1. Fiber

Fiber is known to prevent constipation. It keeps your colon and digestion tract healthy as well. You receive most of your fiber intake from vegetables and legumes, such as kidney beans. This type of fiber is healthier and better for you than the fiber found in meat. Fiber is also an excellent way to maintain a strong cardiovascular system. It helps prevent heart disease and high cholesterol.

2. Folate

Folate provides several nutritional benefits. This nutrient is recommended if you're pregnant. It helps your developing baby grow and thrive before birth. Folate also works against heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. One cup of kidney beans provides your daily intake of folate.

3. Protein

Kidney beans are an exceptional source of protein. You need protein to build strong muscles. Your red blood cells also depend on protein to carry oxygen-rich blood to every organ of your body. If you're embarking on an all-protein diet, then consider adding kidney beans to your meal plan. It's a safer and more productive way to get the lean muscle you desire. The protein found in red meat isn't as healthy as legume protein. Red meat can lead to cardiovascular disease.

4. Calories

The calories in kidney beans are moderate. These calories convert to energy and keep you going throughout the day. You also have more energy to exercise and lose weight. Try adding kidney beans to a salad or low calorie soup during lunch. You'll have more energy in the afternoon.

5. Fat

Kidney beans are low in fat. This fat is easily used up during exercise. Kidney beans have both saturated and unsaturated fat. The unsaturated fat is very low compared to other foods. The saturated fat in these beans helps keep you strong and maintain a healthy weight. It's better to cook kidney beans without fatty meats and oils. You maintain the low fat benefits of the beans.

6. Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced naturally in the liver. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol isn't bad until you produce or eat too much of it. Kidney beans are cholesterol free. This nutritional benefit promotes a stronger cardiovascular system.

7. Sodium

The low sodium benefits of the kidney bean help you avoid high blood pressure and fluid retention. Unlike foods containing high amounts of sodium, kidney beans are naturally low in this nutrient.

Kidney beans make the perfect addition to any diet. They have other important vitamin and mineral nutritional benefits that your body needs. This bean is high in iron, magnesium, vitamin C and phosphorus. Kidney beans also provide vitamin A and potassium.

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9 Health Benefits of Kidney Beans

Probably originating in Peru, but found throughout Central and South America by the time the Spanish arrived, kidney beans have become a popular food all over the world due to their savory texture and ability to absorb flavors. They are dark red in color, and as the name might convey, shaped rather like a kidney. Today the world’s biggest producers of kidney beans are India, China Indonesia, Brazil and the US.

Here are nine health benefits of kidney beans that may make you want to include them in your diet on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention

Manganese, in which kidney beans are abundant, is one aspect of the antioxidant defense they provide. The crucial oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase, responsible for disarming free radicals in mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cells), needs manganese. On top of that, the vitamin K in kidney beans has been shown to protect cells from oxidative stress, reducing chances of cancer.

Brain Function

The vitamin K in kidney beans offers outstanding benefits for the brain and nervous system. The myelin sheath, or the outer wrapping around nerve, needs a fat called sphingolipids to form properly. Vitamin K is known to be essential for the synthesis of the sphingolipids, and therefore proper brain and nervous function. Kidney beans are also a good source of thiamin, which is critical for brain cell and cognitive function. This vitamin is needed for the creation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used for memory and the lack of which is a significant factor in senility and Alzheimer's disease.

Blood Sugar

The soluble fiber in kidney beans decreases the metabolism rate of the bean's carbohydrates, which prevents blood sugar levels from rapidly spiking after a meal. The kidney bean's high protein content also contribute to this effect.

Sulfite Detoxification

Sulfites are a preservative typically added to prepared foods such as delicatessen salads and salad bars. Like other beans, kidney beans contain high levels of the trace mineral molybdenum, a key component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, whose job is to detoxify sulfites. This is important for people with sulfite allergies who are experiencing symptoms such as headache or rapid heartbeat.

Digestive Tract Health

The insoluble fiber in kidney beans helps to maintain bowel regularity by increasing stool bulk. The fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestine also helps to maintain good bacteria in the digestive tract. Regular bowel movements are associated with a lower risk of colon cancer.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The high fiber content of kidney beans is responsible for their cholesterol-lowering power. The folate they contain helps in lowering levels of homocysteine, which is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and peripheral vascular disease. The high content of magnesium found in kidney beans contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system.

Energy Booster

Kidney beans are high in iron, which helps increase your energy levels. Iron is required for the body's metabolism and energy production and helps move oxygen throughout the body. The manganese in kidney beans is also an important contributor to the body's energy production.

High in Protein

IKidney beans are a great source of protein, providing a level of protein comparable to that found in meat or dairy. When beans are combined with rice, they form a complete protein.

Bone Strength

The manganese and calcium in kidney beans work hand in hand to maintain strong bones and along with other trace minerals may help prevent osteoporosis. Kidney beans are also a great source of folate. Research has shown that low amounts of folic acid in the diet lead to an increase in homocysteine levels and significantly increases risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures, particularly hip fracture in both men and in women. Vitamin K has also turned out to be a critical nutrient for bone health. People who are vitamin K deficient have a greater risk of suffering bone fractures. Vitamin K has been also been shown to help stop fractures in women who have passed through menopause and have already started to experience bone loss. 

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/9-health-benefits-of-kidney-beans.html

Vitamin and Mineral Sources

Vitamins	Sources	Function
A	Cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals.	Needed for good eyesight and normal functioning of the immune system.
B-1 (Thiamin)	Enriched, fortified, or whole-grain products such as bread, pasta, and cereals.	Helps the body process carbohydrates and some protein.
B-2 (Riboflavin)	Milk, breads, fortified cereals, almonds, asparagus, dark meat chicken, and cooked beef.	Used in many body processes, such as converting food into energy. It also participates in the metabolism of many drugs and helps in the production of red blood cells.
B-3 (Niacin)	Poultry, fish, meat, whole grains, and fortified cereals.	Aids in digestion and converting food into energy. Also used by the body to help make cholesterol.
B-6	Fortified cereals, fortified soy-based meat substitutes, baked potatoes with skin, bananas, light-meat chicken and turkey, eggs, and spinach.	Vital for a healthy nervous system. Helps the body break down proteins. Helps the body break down stored sugar.
B-12	Beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry, soybeans, and fortified foods.	Needed for creating red blood cells and general cell division.
C (Ascorbic acid)	Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach.	Helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together. It is also required for making chemical messengers in the brain.
D	Fortified milk, cheese, and cereals; egg yolks; salmon; and sunlight.	Needed to process calcium and maintain bone health. May have other effects on all cells of the body.
E	Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean.	Functions as an antioxidant.
Folate (Folic acid)	Fortified cereals and grain products; lima, lentil, and garbanzo beans; and dark leafy vegetables.	Vital for cell development, prevents birth defects, promotes heart health, and helps red blood cells form.
K	Leafy green vegetables like parsley, chard, and kale; olive, canola, and soybean oils; and broccoli.	Helps clot blood and maintains bone health.
Minerals	Sources	Function
Calcium	Dairy products, broccoli, dark leafy greens like spinach and rhubarb, and fortified products, such as orange juice, soy milk, and tofu.	Helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Helps muscles function. Involved in cell communication and signaling.
Chromium	Some cereals, beef, turkey, fish, beer, broccoli, and grape juice.	Helps maintain normal blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Copper	Organ meats, seafood, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole grain products, and cocoa products.	Aids in metabolism of iron and red cell formation. Helps in the production of energy for cells.
Fluoride	Fluorinated water, teas, marine fish, and some dental products.	Prevents dental cavities and stimulates new bone formation.
Iodine	Iodized salt, certain seafoods, kelp, and seaweed.	Works to make thyroid hormones.
Iron	Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, eggs, poultry, soy foods, and some fortified foods.	Needed to transport oxygen to all parts of the body via the red blood cells.
Magnesium	Whole grain products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, Brazil nuts, soybeans, halibut, peanuts, hazelnuts, lima beans, black-eyed peas, avocados, bananas, kiwifruit, and shrimp.	Helps muscles and nerves function properly, steadies heart rhythm, maintains bone strength, and helps the body create energy and make proteins.
Manganese	Pecans, almonds, legumes, green and black tea, whole grains, and pineapple juice.	Involved in bone formation and wound healing, metabolism of proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. It is also an antioxidant.
Molybdenum	Legumes, grain products, and nuts.	Plays a role in processing proteins and other substances.
Phosphorus	Dairy products, beef, chicken, halibut, salmon, eggs, and whole wheat breads.	Helps cells function normally and help the body make energy. Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen. Important in the formation of bone.
Potassium	Broccoli, potatoes (with the skins on), prune juice, orange juice, leafy green vegetables, bananas, raisins, and tomatoes.	Aids in nervous system and muscle function. Also helps maintain a healthy balance of water in the blood and body tissues.
Selenium	Organ meats, shrimp, crabs, salmon, halibut, and Brazil nuts.	Helps protect cells from damage and regulates thyroid hormone action and other processes.
Zinc http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/vitamin-mineral-sources	Red meat, fortified cereals, oysters, almonds, peanuts, chickpeas, soy foods, and dairy products.	Vital to many internal processes and supports immune function, reproduction, and the nervous system.

20 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff- Dandruff Treatment and Cure

Home remedies for dandruff is a natural way to get rid of dandruff, a common scalp disorder. A person looking for dandruff treatment can cure dandruff at home with the aid of naturally available remedies. Dandruff is the result of excessive shedding of dead cells from the scalp. Dandruff can be cause of hair loss, acne, pimples and hair premature greying, so it should be treated before it gets severe and chronic.

Home remedies for dandruff is a natural way to get rid of dandruff, a common scalp disorder. A person looking for dandruff treatment can cure dandruff at home with the aid of naturally available remedies. Dandruff is the result of excessive shedding of dead cells from the scalp. Dandruff can be cause of hair loss, acne, pimples and hairpremature greying, so it should be treated before it gets severe and chronic.

Treatment of Dandruff is necessary as it is embarrassing and creates self esteem problems. Dandruff can be spread if you make use of common comb, hairbrush, soap and towel. Getting rid of dandruff is not as hard as perceived. Dandruff home remedies are natural and very effective. They can give you long term results keeping you away from harsh chemicals and expensive hair care products.

Here are some best ways to get rid of Dandruff at home with the assistance of homeremedies:

Yogurt and Black pepper as a anti dandruff treatment

Yogurt reduces the intensity of scaling. Mix 2 teaspoon of black pepper powder in a cup of curd and blend it thoroughly. Then rub this mixture into dandruff affected scalp and after an hour, wash it with a mild shampoo.

Olive Oil Treatment for Dandruff

You can get rid of dandruff with the consistence use of olive oil. Olive oil is natural clarifying and moisturizing agent. It is one of the most admired home remedies for dandruff. A lukewarm oil treatment of olive oil can help you to treat your dandruff. Don't make the olive oil too hot. Apply the olive oil to the problem scalp in circular motions before going to bed. Wash out your hair with a mild shampooin the morning.

Lemon juice and Coconut oil 

Blend together 1 tbsp. of lemon juice with 5 tbsp. of coconut oil. Apply to the scalp to get rid of dandruff. Lemon juice is a natural home remedy for dandruff and will clear away flakes from your scalp. There is a myth that lemon juice can lead to hair graying. However this is not true. Leave this remedy on the scalp for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash with a shampoo.

Vinegar to get rid of Dandruff

Vinegar is extremely effective for the treatment of dandruff as it is rich in potassium and enzymes which will help to cure an itchy scalp and dandruff. There are several ways you can make use of vinegar to prevent dandruff. You can massage apple cider vinegar into the dandruff scalp 5 to 7 minutes. Apple cider vinegar will help you to get rid of the dead skin cells, which are responsible in clogging the hair follicles and lead to dandruff flakes.

Another way to use vinegar to treat dandruff is to mix a tbsp. of vinegar in your last mug of water when you wash your hair.

Baking Soda to remove dandruff flakes

This may be surprising, but true that Baking soda is potential to clear excess flakes and clarifies the scalp from dandruff. You can add 1 tsp. of baking soda to a handful of shampoo and you will find that it can remove dandruff flakes even hiding in hair strands.

Aloe Vera gel to cure dandruff

Apply aloe Vera gel on the scalp to remove dandruff. Leave on for 15 minutes. Aloe is a natural home remedy, which clarifies and repairs damaged skin. It fights dandruff and let you get rid of dandruff flakes so the scalp can heal.

Apply Eggs to remove dandruff

Beat 2 eggs to apply it on scalp and rinse it off with in one hour to get dandruff free hair. Eggs help in the treatment of dandruff and falling hair. Egg acts as a good conditioner for dry hair giving them glow and shine.

Neem Leaves

Neem has the antiseptic property, which helps in getting rid of dandruff. Apply neem leaves paste on your scalp to fight dandruff as it is a very effective home remedy. Neem leaves is successful in treating lice, treating dandruff and many other eruptions on the scalp.

Warm Oil Massage on Scalp

Luke warm oil massage is considered as one of the best home remedy to get rid of dandruff. Luke warm almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil is used to massage on scalp to prevent dandruff. Leave it on scalp overnight.

Onion is a natural anti dandruff solution

Apply the paste of onion into your scalp. Leave it on dandruff skin for one hour. Wash thoroughly. This will assist to get rid of dandruff. Apply lemon juice to remove smell of onion from your hair.

Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds and Oil to get rid of dandruff 

Soak methi seeds in water for overnight and mash these fenugreek seeds in about half cup of warm coconut or olive oil. Apply all over the scalp. Leave it on for two to three hours. This home remedy will helps to get rid of dandruff naturally at home.

Besan and Curd to cure dandruff naturally at home

Mix 4 tbsp. Chickpea Flour also known as besan in curd to make thick paste. Apply on the scalp and leave it for an hour. You can few drops of lemon to get rid of oil of curd. This is a good home remedy to treat dandruff.

Reetha is natural dandruff treatment 

Reetha, which is soap nut, is an ideal solution to get rid of dandruff. You can use powder of reetha and make a paste out of it. Apply for two hours and rinse it off. This way you can treat dandruff at home.

Apples to get rid of Dandruff

Apply 2 tbsp. of apple juice mix in water directly to the scalp. Apples have enzymes that eliminate dead skin cells that further causes scalp flakes. Leave this home remedy on the scalp 5 to 10 minutes before washing your hair.

Tea Tree Oil to treat dandruff

Tea tree oil is a natural home remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties, which make it best to get rid of dandruff. You can apply tea tree oil directly to the scalp, or add few drops to your regular shampoo.

Lemon and Garlic to cure dandruff

Mix 1 tbsp. of lemon juice with 2 tbsp. of garlic. Apply paste to the scalp. Lemon juice will help you to get rid of flakes. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and is best to kill the bacteria on the scalp. Leave this anti dandruff treatment on scalp for 20 to 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair.

Beetroot leaves and Henna

Crush beetroot leaves in heena powder to make a paste. Apply this mixture to remove dandruff.

Snake gourd is a home remedy to treat dandruff

Juice of snake gourd should be rubbed on the scalp. This will help to get rid of dandruff

Aspirin as a home remedy to treat dandruff

Two aspirin dissolved in the shampoo can let you get rid of dandruff. Aspirin helps to fight dandruff.

Rosemary to get rid of dandruff

Mix vinegar in oil of rosemary leaves (squeeze them). Use this home remedy for dandruff. You can also apply mixture of rosemary oil and coconut oil to your scalp to treat dandruff.

Dandruff can be prevented by washing your hair regularly or at every alternate day. This can help you to get rid of dandruff. Choose a home remedy for dandruff, which suits you and use it constantly to treat dandruff. I am sure once you try, you would love these natural home remedies.

http://nehasadana.expertscolumn.com/article/25-health-benefits-aloevera

Apples walk away with most health accolades, and spinach leads the healthy veggie brigade. Compared to them, celery is somewhat unsung, but once you read its incredible–and nearly endless–list of health benefits, you will quickly join its growing list of lovers.

• Celery is a great choice if you are watching your weight. One large stalk contains only 10 calories! So, add celery to your shopping list and enjoy it in your salads, soups and stir-fries.
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• Celery reduces inflammation. If you are suffering from joint pains, lung infections, asthma, or acne, eating more celery will bring much-needed relief.
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• It helps you calm down: Celery for stress-relief? Oh yes! The minerals in celery, especially magnesium, and the essential oil in it, soothe the nervous system. If you enjoy a celery-based snack in the evening, you will sleep better.
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• It regulates the body’s alkaline balance, thus protecting you from problems such as acidity.
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• Celery aids digestion: some say celery tastes like “crunchy water,” and that is the reason it is so good for your digestive system.  The high water content of celery, combined with the insoluble fiber in it, makes it a great tool for easy passage of stool. Note: because celery has diuretic and cleansing properties, those with diarrhea should avoid eating it.
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• It contains “good” salts. Yes, celery does contain sodium, but it is not the same thing as table salt. The salt in celery is organic, natural and essential for your health.
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• It cares for your eyes. One large stalk of celery can deliver up to 10 percent of your daily need for Vitamin A, a group of nutrients that protects the eyes and prevents age-related degeneration of vision.
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• Celery reduces “bad” cholesterol: There is a component in celery called butylphthalide. It gives the vegetable its flavor and scent. Guess what: this component also reduces bad cholesterol! A Chicago University research shows that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points!
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• It lowers blood pressure: An active compound called phthalides in celery has been proven to boost circulatory health. Raw, whole celery reduces high blood pressure.
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• It can amp up your sex life: and this is not just hearsay. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, Director of the Smeel and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says two pheromones in celery–androstenone and androstenol–boost your arousal levels. They are released when you chew on a celery stalk.
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• Celery can combat cancer: Two studies at the University of Illinois show that a powerful flavonoid in celery, called luteolin, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, especially in the pancreas. Another study suggests that the regular intake of celery could significantly delay the formation of breast cancer cells.
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Useful Tips:

Choose celery with upright stalks that snap when bent. The leaves should be fresh and crisp.  When selecting celery, remember this rule of thumb:  The darker the color, the stronger the flavor.

Freshly chopped celery retains its nutrients much better than if you chop and store it even for a few hours.

Steamed celery not only retains its flavor, but also most of its nutrients–up to 99 percent of them, in fact!

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-super-health-benefits-in-just-1-celery-stalk.html

28 Best Benefits Of ChickPeas For Skin, Hair And Health

Pizzas and burgers rule every child’s menu for long. The recent popularity of ‘Hummus’, the yummy Middle-Eastern dip and spread – made from chickpeas – has brought the spotlight back on the goodness of chickpeas.

Back in school, our teacher kept stressing on how chickpeas were one of the most nutritious members of the legumes family. It didn’t take long for me to realise the importance of chickpeas in our daily diet.

Chickpeas originated in the Middle East nearly 7,000 years ago. They are often used in vegetables, salads, sauces, bread, hummus, tahini and garlic spreads. This fiber-rich legume is also known as Garbanzo beans orKabuli Chana. One can never stress enough on how good these chickpeas are. So we thought of listing out top 28 benefits of this wonder food.

Benefits of Chickpeas on Skin, Hair and Health

Chickpeas for Skin:

1. Wrinkles:

Manganese in chickpeas causes skin cells to produce energy and fights wrinkle-causing free radicals. Molybdenum detoxifies skin by removing sulphites. Other nutrients like folate and Vitamin B work as fuel for the skin cells. They repair damage from the sun and harmful toxins.

2. Face Pack:

Mix chickpea flour with turmeric to cleanse and exfoliate your face. This will improve your skin texture, remove dead cells, moisturise and improve your complexion too.

3. Face Cleanser:

To use chickpeas flour as a natural cleanser:

• Mix chickpea flour with turmeric powder and milk or yogurt.
• Make a fine paste apply it evenly on the face.
• Wash off thoroughly after 10-15 minutes with warm water.

4. Reduce Age Spots:

To use chick peas for reducing age spots:

• Mash boiled chickpeas.
• Add some water to make a fine paste.
• Apply and spread it evenly on your face or hands.

This will help reduce age spots on your face and body.

5. Ringworm Infection:

Include chickpeas flour chapattis in your daily diet for at least a month. This will help you get rid of ringworm infections.

6. Treatment of Leucoderma:

Chickpea’s role in treating Leucoderma is appreciable. To use:

• Soak a cup of chickpea with eight grams of triphala churan and water.
• Keep it aside for 24 hours.
• Consume when you see it sprouting.

Repeat this regularly for a few months to reduce white spots due to Leucoderma.

Chickpeas for Hair:

7. Facial Hair:

Chickpeas are also helpful in removing facial hair. Here is how:

• Mix turmeric and chickpea flour to make a fine paste
• Apply evenly on your face
• Alternately, you can also use this as a facial scrub
• Wash after 10-15 minutes

Do this regularly for a month for best results

8. Hair Strengthening:

Garbanzo beans are great strengthening your hair. The good amounts of protein and manganese help prevent greying hair.

9. Dandruff:

Chickpeas work wonders in curing dandruff. To use:

• Mix six tablespoons of chickpea flour with water.
• Massage this paste on your hair for a few minutes before the final rinse.

This will help in keeping the flaky dandruff at bay and reduce infection too.

Chickpeas for Health:

10. Controls Hunger:

Chickpeas are rich in fiber and are filled with high quality protein. These two nutrients keep you full for longer and hence control hunger. These essential nutrients found in chickpeas make it ideal for weight loss and weight management.

11. Cholesterol Reduction:

Including 3/4th cup of chickpeas in your daily diet can immensely help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Chickpeas contain dyslipidemia that prevents the concentration of cholesterol in blood. This in turn lowers the risk of heart disease and strokes.

12. Cooking:

Chickpeas can be cooked and used in salads, curries, soups and stews. Roasted chickpeas, with few savoury spices, make for an ideal evening snack. It finds it way in Gluten-free diet too. And can be used in variety of dishes like pakoras, pappadams or pancakes and as a substitute for eggs in baking.

13. Low Sulphites:

Chickpeas come with high amounts of mineral and molybdenum. These are essential for detoxifying sulphite compounds from food products, dried fruits and even wine. Sulphite compounds often cause dizziness, rapid heart rate, headache, and other unpleasant symptoms. Molybdenum also cleanses our liver.

14. Soluble Fiber:

Chickpeas come with decent amount of soluble fiber. This helps lower heart disease risk and stabilizes blood sugar levels too. The soluble fiber acts as a sponge and cleans up bile with bad cholesterol. It also gives one the feeling of a fuller stomach.

15. Good Sleep:

As one of the richest sources of amino acids, tryptophan and serotonin, chickpeas play a vital role in regulating mood and sleep. Consuming tryptophan at night makes one calm and feel peaceful.

16. Immune System:

Chickpeas are loaded with good iron. Iron helps transporting oxygen through the body and is imperative for maintaining a strong immune system and good metabolism.

17. Heart Disease:

Regular consumption of garbanzo beans cleanses bad cholesterol, lowers cholesterol levels and triglycerides. These beans are your heart’s friend. The unique combination of antioxidants in chickpeas supports blood vessels’ walls and blood. The Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3 fatty acids together reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risks.

18. Women’s Health:

Chickpeas benefits are great for women health too. The phytochemicals or saponins in chickpeas, act extremely helpful in the prevention of breast cancer and osteoporosis. It is also great for lowering incidences of hot flushes post menopause.

19. Iron for Energy:

Full of iron, chickpeas help boost energy. Iron is essential for pregnant or lactating mothers too. Children and adolescents need iron in good amounts for performing routine tasks.

20. Manganese:

With the help of minerals and manganese, chickpeas facilitate the functioning of enzymes, energy production and antioxidant defense.

21. Calcium:

The good amount of calcium found in chickpeas is equivalent to that of milk and yogurt, hence good for bones health.

22. Folic acid:

Chickpeas have good quantity of folates or folic acid – regarded as the most essential nutrient for an expecting mother. It is also useful in the treatment of spinal injury and the development of foetal brain.

23. Controls Diabetes:

Chickpeas are low on the glycemic index – good for prevention and regulation of blood sugar levels. Fiber and protein help maintain the flow of food in to the digestive tract. It also prevents breaking of food too quickly or slowly. This healthy rate releases sugar from the food and stabilizes its digestive impact on our blood sugar. Chickpeas are highly recommended for diabetics and insulin resistants.

24. Phosphorous:

Chickpeas have good quantity of phosphorous and iron. Together these help increase the blood cell count. It also improves haemoglobin and cleanses excess salts from the kidney.

25. Cancer:

Chickpeas lower the risk of cancer too. The soluble fiber reaches colon and breaks bacteria into fatty acids. This gets absorbed by the colon cells and is converted into energy. Hence, allowing colon cells to stay healthy and lowering the risk of cancer.

26. Kidney Stones:

Chickpeas are excellent for preventing kidney stones. Here is how:

• Soak ½ cup chickpeas in water.
• Keep it soaked overnight.
• Consume it with honey the next morning to prevent kidney stones

27. Jaundice:

Chickpeas are great for curing jaundice too. Consuming a cup of chickpeas soaked in water with jaggery can help cure jaundice and frequent vomiting associated with it.

28. Heart Attacks:

Chickpeas are good sources of folates that reduce the level of amino acid and homocysteine. High level of such amino acid causes risk that may lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Quick ways to add it to your diet: Hummus

Now that we’ve laid enough stress on how important chickpeas are, here’s the hummus recipe. A recipe that has got most parts of the world hooked onto it. It easy, it is quick. Thus, enjoy the benefits of eating chickpeas in this form!

Ingredients

• 600g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 60ml water
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 100 ml olive oil
• 2 tablespoon tahini paste
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Toasted bread to serve

Procedure:

• Place all the ingredients – chickpeas, olive oil, garlic cloves, tahini paste, ground cumin and lemon juice – together in a food processor.
• Process until it properly combines.
• Add water and process it again till you get the desired texture and consistency.

Place the dip in a bowl and serve with fresh toasted bread, preferably Turkish bread.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I did in writing. Do tell us how you use chickpeas to your benefit. Share your experiences and leave your comments below.

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-chick-peas-for-skin-hair-and-health/