11. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans and originally come from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The traditional type of chickpea is round and beige but you can also find them in varieties that are black, green, and red.
They’re one of the best plant based sources of protein since they contain all of the essential amino acids. Along with that they also contain a healthy amount of carbohydrates and fibre and so provide sustained, slow release energy, helping to keep hunger at bay, meaning that we consume fewer calories.
Chickpeas are also rich in vitamins and minerals and can be protective against diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. They can also lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Their high fibre content makes them a great choice for weight management as chickpeas fill us up and keep us full without being high in calories. The best way to eat them is to buy them tinned and add them to curries, stews and salads, or buying them dried and soaking them for 8-10 hours before cooking and consuming them.
