What are the health benefits of chick peas?

What are the health benefits of chick peas?

I know a very healthy person who is always eating chick peas. What is so good about them?

Some varieties of beans, notably chick peas, are rich in plant substances known as phytoestrogens which have an action similar to, though far weaker than, the hormone oestrogen in the body. Some scientists have speculated that consuming a diet rich in phytoestrogens may help protect against heart disease. Research suggests that one effect of phytoestrogens is to lower blood levels of the blood fats low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides that are linked with heart disease and stroke. One study, found that feeding rats with chick peas brought about significant reductions in the levels of both these forms of unhealthy fats. However, even beans that do not contain much in the way of phytoestrogens may have benefits on fat levels in the bloodstream on account of their rich fibre content. Beans also tend to be rich in folic acid which, amongst other benefits, appears to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

In one study, eating four or more servings of beans or lentils each week was found to confer significant protection from heart disease. While baked beans are seen as a staple food by many of us, I would tend to avoid these on account of their added sugar and salt.

protein

Chickpeas are a good source of protein so especially valuable for Vegetarians and Vegans. They are filling as well as nutritious. They are also packed full of an incredible number of vitamins and minerals and fat and carbohydrate. They are a complete food on their own and can be ground into a flour and used to make breads and chappatis and such, or soup.

A good source of protein. A healthier version (substitute) of meat if you are vegetarian or too health conscious to eat meat.

They are a good, fairly complete source of protein. They are also a great source of fiber, folic acid and vitamin B6, as well as a pretty good source of several minerals. Plus, they're yummy... I add lots of them to my salads.

They are full of protein.

They are a good source of iron:

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/iron.html

and protein:

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html

Probably keeps you regular.
Can't say that's what I look for in a meal though - something that's in and our quick.

Protein and fibre plus all the exercise you get from having to leave the room cos you're constantly f*rting for the next 12 hours

Pulses, such as chickpeas, beans, lentils and peas, are the perfect food for anyone managing diabetes, heart disease or coeliac disease - and a great choice for those watching their weight.

they make you go to loo

Protein w/o the meat probably.