Chick peas/ garbanzo beans/ Chana/ kadala......Originated from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Today they feature prominently in Italian, Greek, Indian, Middle Eastern, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Chickpeas are an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, they also contain good levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium.
Most non-animal sources of protein, including chickpeas, lack the essential amino acid methionine, while whole grains lack lysine. The combination of legumes with whole grains produces a complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. In India therefore, eating rice with dal or chapati with dal ensures this.
Additionally, chickpeas are a favorite food for dieters as a small bowl of it can leave you feeling full for a long time. The protein & fiber in it help. It also helps diabetics maintain blood sugar levels, helps reduce cholesterol and regulates bowel movements ....all due to its fiber content. Processing or soaking chickpeas and discarding the water, can reduce bloating felt by some people when they eat beans & legumes.
.......... Deepa Kamath (Dietician).........