CHOCCAS CHICKPEAS

Ok, so by now you will probably know that I go through phases where I simply cannot get enough of a certain food! At the moment there are a few, but one that really stands out is CHICKPEAS.

I am love, love, loving these super food beauties and not just because they have a lush nutty taste and creamy texture, but also because they are simply LOADED (choccas ;p) with nutrients that nourish, renew and revitalise your body!

Chickpeas are a legume meaning they are a GREAT source of protein, slowly digested carbohydrates and fibre :)

Here are just a few features of these little round gems, that are compelling enough to give them a go, I'm sure you'll agree :)

-they are a fibre-full all star! Yes if you take time to check out which foods are great sources of fibre, chickpeas top the chart! They are high in both types of soluble and insoluble fibre meaning they not only form a gel like substance in the digestive tract which ferries undesirable fats and cholesterol out of the body (soluble fibres part), they also add to stool bulk to prevent constipation and digestive disorders such as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome (insoluble fibres part). Yeah!

-their high fibre content makes them great for helping to lower cholesterol levels and makes them perfect for those with diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance or any other situation in which blood sugar control is undesirable or non-ideal.

-they are a great protein source and make a great meat replacement when consumed alongside a wholegrain such as brown rice or pasta. Having less red meat meals is a strong recommendation from all camps including the Heart and Cancer foundations worldwide. Research has shown that higher red meat intakes are correlated with high levels of heart incidents and cancers of all types, but particularly bowel cancer. So, get in preventative mode early and learn to love chickpeas in curries (mmmm- O had this tonight!), in pasta or rice salads, as a spread on wholegrain rolls (hummus) or as an ingredient in felafel's- just to name a few ideas! :)YUM!

-they are also a great source of a number of important minerals including:

• the trace mineral, Molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. What does this mean? Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods such as pre-prepared delicatessen salads. Those sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them. Interesting!
  

• Magnesium- another reason why chickpeas are good for your HEART! Magnesium lessens the resistance in arteries and veins improving the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body- nice!

• Folate- this mineral is important for a healthy heart as it helps to reduce harmful levels of homocysteine. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine are an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease, and are found in between 20-40% of patients with heart disease.

• Manganese- chickpeas are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential co-factor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

• Iron- In addition to providing slow burning complex carbohydrates, chickpeas can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Menstruating women and those who are pregnant or lactating have higher needs for iron and so chickpeas are a super healthy-and EASY- way to top up supplies :) Just serve with a source of Vitamin C for most effective absorption- lemon juice or capsicum will do the trick! :)

So there you go!

I hope I have you salivating at the idea of learning how to CREATIVELY add these super duper fibre, protein and mineral rich treasures to your weekly menu :)

Your body, energy and health will thank you!

To your health and happiness!

Bridget Jane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
www.newleafnutrition.com.au