Garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) are often touted as being part of the Paleo Diet. Is this true?
Garbanzo beans are legumes that originated from the Middle East. They are also known as Ceci or garbanzo beans.
The word garbanzo comes from the Arabic name gharbanaa meaning “to break open”.
In addition to their nutritional value, they are also considered a superfood because of their high protein content.
Paleo dieters eat foods that are similar to those eaten by our ancestors during the Stone Age.
This means no grains, dairy, sugar, processed food, etc.
While some experts say that garbanzo beans are not allowed under the Paleo diet, other sources claim that they are.
What Exactly Are Garbanzo Beans?
Garbanzo bean is also known as chickpea. This refers to the line or family of Leguminosae plants, Fabaceae.
A legume is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae.
These include many vegetables and fruits, such as peas, soybeans, lentils, alfalfa, clover, lupins, and vetches.
Besides being used as food, legumes are also used as animal feed.
Aside from garbanzo beans themselves, there are several other members of the legume family.
They include peanuts, Lima beans (also known as butter beans), black beans, kidney beans, and others.
All of these contain a protein called albumin, which makes up about half of the dry weight of each bean.
Albumin helps make up blood proteins and hormones.
The plant produces pulses, which are edible seeds. Pulses contain a high level of essential nutrition a human body requires.
In fact, it contains more protein than meat.
Garbanzos come in two varieties, both of which are commonly consumed.
There are small green ones and large red ones. Both are eaten raw or cooked. You can find them canned, frozen, dried, or even ground into flour.
Are These Type Of Beans Allowed While On Paleo?
Garbanzo beans are considered to be one of the most nutritious legumes.
They are packed with nutrients including magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, vitamin B6, folic acid, potassium, and dietary fiber.
In addition, they contain high amounts of unsaturated fats, making them suitable for those following a paleo diet.
Aside from losing weight, garbanzo beans are also used for the maintenance of a healthy condition.
Garbanzos help maintain a good cholesterol level, and they lower triglyceride levels.
Moreover, they are beneficial for diabetics since they reduce the risk of developing complications associated with the disease.
Are They Good For Us?
Garbanzo beans are one of the oldest foods known to mankind.
They are native to the Middle East and North Africa, where they have been cultivated since ancient times.
Today, garbanzo beans can be found in grocery stores across America and around the world.
They are often used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes and are frequently added to salads because of their crunchy texture.
In addition to being delicious, garbanzo beans have numerous health benefits. Here are some facts about the popular legume:
Fiber
One cup of cooked garbanzos provides 8 grams of dietary fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
This makes it easy to consume fewer calories throughout the day.
Protein
A serving of garbanzos supplies 7 grams of protein. Because they contain no cholesterol, they help lower cholesterol levels.
Calcium
One cup of garbanzos provides 112% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. This mineral supports bone growth and development.
Iron
One cup of garbanzos supplies 14% of the daily recommended amount of iron. Iron is essential for blood production and oxygen transport.
Magnesium
One cup of garbanzos provides 25% of the daily recommended magnesium intake.
Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve function.
Potassium
One cup of garbanzos contains 45% of the daily recommended potassium intake.
Potassium helps maintain fluid balance within cells and muscles and aids in the transmission of electrical impulses.
Are They Particularly Good For Weight Loss And Dieting?
Garbanzo beans are often used as a substitute for lentils because both foods are high in protein.
This bean is rich in fiber and low in fat. So, it makes sense why people use it as a part of a diet plan.
As mentioned, this food is also a good source of dietary fiber and protein.
Both of these are known properties for weight loss, according to studies.
You can incorporate it into various healthful meals, like salad.
In fact, there’s nothing to worry about because this one has a delicious flavor, especially when combined with salads.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an alternative to meat, then garbanzo beans are a great choice.
They provide many health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and helping to control diabetes.
Plus, they are extremely versatile and can be incorporated into many different recipes.
I am a dietary specialist and help my clients find the right diets for them.
Unfortunately, I can only take on so many clients at a time. Though, thanks to the internet, I can upload my knowledge onto this website and help more people around the world!
That is my aim with this website, so please peruse it and learn. Dieting doesn’t have to be tough - you just need to find the right one for you.
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