Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are good sources of fibre, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, folate, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B-6. Essential nutrients in chickpea lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and also limits high blood sugar levels after meals.
They are high in beneficial polyunsaturated fats like omega 3 fatty acids, and have been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol levels. This all adds up to helping in the prevention of obesity and diabetes, as well as aiding weight-loss.
Black chickpea: Black chickpea also called as ‘kala Chana’ contains 12 grams of dietary fibre. High fibre content in chickpea contributes to better blood sugar level. A cup of black chickpea is enough to keep your blood sugar levels under control. A black chickpea chat can be a delicious treat to your taste and easy to consume. Breakfast is the best time to consume black chickpea. A healthy mixture of boiled black chickpeas with vaious fresh vegetables will keep blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day.
Carbohydrates in Chickpeas: Chickpeas are made up of about 26 percent carbohydrates. Dietary fibre present in chickpeas, limits the effect of chickpeas on blood sugar levels. One cup of chickpeas equals two servings of carbohydrates for diabetics. It will also helps in managing cholesterol levels and fulfil your nutritional needs.
Glycemic Index: After eating foods with a high glycemic index can cause large spikes in blood glucose levels, while those with lower glycemic index will have less effect on after-meal blood glucose levels. chickpeas glycemic index is 28. It falls into the range of low-glycemic index foods.
Blood Glucose: Consuming a meal of chickpeas instead of wheat, will lowers postprandial blood glucose levels after eating. According to a study will also lowers insulin levels in the blood after eating.
Effect on Diabetes: chickpeas is beneficial in lowering diabetes risk. Rats fed chickpeas along with a high-fat diet didn’t have the same high blood glucose and high insulin levels after meals. It also had better insulin resistance scores.