Raw chickpeas are a legume that belongs to the plant family Fabaceae that people have been cultivating for over 7500 years ago. They originated from Turkey, but as their demand has increased, more countries are growing it.
There are two main types of chickpeas: Desi and Kabuli. Desi has a rough coat and has small and dark seeds; while Kabuli has smooth skin, the sources are lighter and colored. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and nutrients that are healthy for your body. They come in different colors such as green, black, red, brown, but the most popular color is beige.
So, can you eat chickpeas raw? No. Raw chickpeas are hard to digest and may cause discomfort, pain, and digestive issues. They contain complex sugars and toxins that are best when cooked.
Is Eating Raw Chickpeas Bad for You?
Yes. Raw chickpeas are sour, thus not good for you. They contain proteins and complex sugars that are best to consume when cooked. They are bitter when natural and can cause discomfort and pain as it becomes hard to digest.
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you should consult your doctor on whether to consume or avoid chickpeas. This is because it can cause severe bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. The high fiber contents in chickpeas can trigger attacks for IBS patients.
You should also ensure that you moderate your intake of chickpeas as it contains potassium. Too much potassium can be harmful to your kidneys and can affect how it works. It may cause hyperkalemia in people that already have kidney diseases.
What is the Nutritional Value of Raw Chickpeas?
Like any other cereal grain, chickpeas are a good nutrient source. They contain fiber, proteins, vitamins, calcium, iron, and folate. They also provide a fair amount of antioxidants that help your body against free radicals that can be harmful.
A 1-ounce serving of chickpeas contains the following nutrients:
- 46 calories
- 8 grams of carbohydrates
- 3grams of protein
- 2 grams of fiber
- 17% of the RDI for Folate (Vitamin B9)
- 4% of the RDI for Iron
- 5% of the RDI for Phosphorous
- 14% of the RDI for manganese
- 5% of the RDI for copper
Chickpeas contain low calories that make them a good source of food with high satiety. Individuals trying to manage their weight can eat chickpeas to help minimize their intake of junk food.
It can also be an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Adding chickpeas to your diet is a worthy choice that will help to boost your overall health.
Can You Add Raw Chickpeas to Your Meals?
Raw chickpeas are hard, and you need to soak them before cooking. The soaking helps to minimize the time for cooking as it will make them swell as you bring them to boiling. Chickpeas are easy and affordable to add to your diet.
Once cooked, you can roast them for a crunchy snack, and you can add them to a veggie burger and other dishes like salads, soups, stews, and sandwiches. Furthermore, chickpeas can be an excellent meat alternative as they are rich in proteins. You can blend chickpeas with garlic, lemon, and olive oil to make hummus that you can use as a spread.
Can you add chickpeas to your meals? Yes. Chickpeas are a delicious legume that you can add to your meals. They will help support your health and help prevent the risks of some chronic illnesses like heart diseases.
What are the Health Benefits of Chickpeas?
Choosing to add chickpeas to your meals offers an excellent health benefit to your body. The nutrients can help prevent some chronic diseases, reduce your blood sugar, boost your immunity and neutralize free radicals.
Chickpeas are rich in fiber and irons. A cup serving of chickpeas contains 4.7mg of irons that your body requires to function. Irons help deliver oxygen to your cells, and lack of it can cause anemia that can weaken your body.
The low-calorie density in chickpeas can assist in weight management. The proteins can make you have the feeling of fullness after eating. This feeling can help to promote a healthy eating lifestyle by eliminating unhealthy cravings and controlling your appetite.
It can help improve your digestive system because of the soluble fiber. The healthy bacteria in your gut break down the soluble fiber making it easy for the colon to digest it. Proper digestion can help against digestive conditions and prevent the risk of colon cancer.
Lastly, consumption of chickpeas can help to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. They are rich in fiber and protein that help to regulate your blood sugar levels. The contents of magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. They also contain antioxidants that help prevent the harmful effects of free radicals that control your heart from developing diseases and stress.
Final Thoughts
- Chickpeas originated from Turkey, and people have been cultivating them for over 7500 years. There are two types, namely, Desi and Kabuli, and they come in colors such as beige, red, black, brown, and green.
- Chickpeas are rich in nutrients, fiber, and vitamins. They contain adequate amounts of antioxidants and are also low in calories and cholesterols.
- Eating chickpeas is bad for you. They contain proteins and complex starch that is hard to digest and can cause discomfort and pain. It’s therefore advisable to cook them first before consuming them.
- You can add chickpeas to your meals, such as sandwiches, salads, and stews. Besides, you can use chickpeas to make hummus that can act as a spread.
- Chickpeas have a wide range of health benefits. They can help manage and regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. They also contain irons and fiber that help your digestive system.
- If you are trying to manage your weight, chickpeas can be an excellent meal to include in your diet. They contain low calories and have high satiety that helps to control your appetite.