Meet Chickpeas ‘Pulses’
Chickpeas are the dry edible seeds of plants in the legume family. In understandable terms, they are a category of superfoods and they are incredible healthy pulses.
Protein-packed: Pulses contain up to 9 grams of protein per 1/2 cup cooked serving – twice the protein of quinoa and unlike many protein-rich foods, they are low in fat.
Beneficial for disease prevention: Pulses have been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce blood cholesterol and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
Good for dietary restrictions: Being Nut Free, Gluten Free and vegetarian makes them a good option for people with special diets, allergies or sensitivities.
Nutrients galore: Pulses deliver high levels of potassium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and iron. One serving of black beans has 1.5 times the amount of iron as flank steak, plus three times the folate (an essential 8 vitamin) of kale, and as much potassium as a banana. Even more, red kidney beans are loaded with more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranate juice.
High in Fiber: Pulses are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping with staying regular, losing weight, and feeling fuller longer.
Smart Source of Folate: Pulses are excellent sources of folate, a B vitamin important during pregnancy to reduce the risk for neural tube birth defects. Folate is also essential to brain development and function.
GOOD FOR HEALTH
- Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that currently affects three million Americans. Chickpeas are a gluten-free alternative
- Low Glycemic Index so better at regulating sugar
- Makes you feeling fuller longer which helps control appetite and delay hunger
- Protein Rich and Provides Essential Amino Acids and Healthy Fibers & Tastes Amazing
GOOD FOR FARMERS
- Enrich soil health by leaving behind essential nutrients including nitrogen and beneficial microbes for the next crop
- Extract water from a shallower depth, leaving more water deep in the soil for other crops, which makes them well-adapted for drought-prone areas
- Natural Fertilizer and good for Soil
- Takes fewer days to grow compared to other crops
GOOD FOR THE PLANET
- Low Carbon footprint
- Require less nitrogen fertilizers because they create their own fertilization by pulling nitrogen from the air and into the soil
- Use just one-tenth of the water of other proteins. For example, it takes only 43 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of pulses compared to 800–1,800 gallons of water to produce the same amount of animal protein
GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY
- Chickpeas contain three times more folate per serving than kale
- Brings Cultures together as a common food
- Several Usages of beans i.e. Hummus Dips, Chickpea Butter Spread
- Allergen Friendly compared to Peanuts, Tree Nuts – good for kids & families