4 REASONS TO eat chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are part of the legume family. While they have become more popular recently, chickpeas have been grown in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years. As a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, chickpeas offer a variety of health benefits: 1 They are an excellent source of manganese, which is an essential factor in metabolism and energy production. 2 They are a source of several minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which are known for their potential in helping to boost heart health. 3 Chickpeas are high in iron, which is particularly important for women and children. Iron is an integral component of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells. 4 They have a low glycaemic index, which is a marker of how rapidly your blood sugar rises after eating food. Diets including many low GI foods have been shown to promote blood sugar control.