Chickpea
Chickpea
Chickpea is commonly known as Chana. It is a rich source of protein and fiber. Since Chickpea is rich in protein, it makes an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. Chickpea also provide a variety of minerals and vitamins.
Regular intake of Chickpea is beneficial to maintain skin health due to its strong antioxidant activity. The proteins and fiber present in Chickpea help manage appetite and improve digestion which ultimately helps manage weight. Chickpea is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps control the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. Chickpea might reduce the risk of developing heart diseases due to its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties.
If Chickpea is consumed without soaking in water or if taken in fried form, it may cause gas and bloating[2-4].
Regular intake of Chickpea is beneficial to maintain skin health due to its strong antioxidant activity. The proteins and fiber present in Chickpea help manage appetite and improve digestion which ultimately helps manage weight. Chickpea is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps control the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. Chickpea might reduce the risk of developing heart diseases due to its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties.
If Chickpea is consumed without soaking in water or if taken in fried form, it may cause gas and bloating[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Chickpea?
Cicer arietinum, Imas, Chholaa, Bengal gram, Chana, Gram, Chanya, Buut, Chunnaa, Chane, Chholaa, Kadale, Katal, Harbaraa, Katalai, Kadalai, Kondakkadalai, Sangalu[1]
What is the source of Chickpea?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chickpea
1. Acne
Chickpeas help to reduce acne when applied on the skin in the form of flour. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores which results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta, is marked by the appearance of some red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Chickpea flour on the affected area helps to reduce acne because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of overnight soaked Chickpeas.
b. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of the paste.
c. Add turmeric powder to it.
d. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne.
2. Hyperpigmentation
Chickpeas help to control hyperpigmentation due to its Pitta balancing property. It reduces excess oil from the skin and gives a brighter, even complexion. It also helps in healing of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Chickpea flour.
b. Mix with lemon juice and water to make a paste.
c. Apply on the face.
d. Wait for 15 -30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion using your finger tips.
f. Repeat thrice a week to control hyperpigmentation.
Chickpeas help to reduce acne when applied on the skin in the form of flour. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores which results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta, is marked by the appearance of some red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Chickpea flour on the affected area helps to reduce acne because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of overnight soaked Chickpeas.
b. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of the paste.
c. Add turmeric powder to it.
d. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne.
2. Hyperpigmentation
Chickpeas help to control hyperpigmentation due to its Pitta balancing property. It reduces excess oil from the skin and gives a brighter, even complexion. It also helps in healing of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Chickpea flour.
b. Mix with lemon juice and water to make a paste.
c. Apply on the face.
d. Wait for 15 -30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion using your finger tips.
f. Repeat thrice a week to control hyperpigmentation.
How to use Chickpea
1. Chickpea turmeric facepack
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of soaked Chickpea paste.
b. Add turmeric powder to it.
c. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and dark spots.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of soaked Chickpea paste.
b. Add turmeric powder to it.
c. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and dark spots.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The flavour and taste of Chickpeas is good. It is an all time favorite cuisines in the world and can be enjoyed in various recipes.
Modern Science View
Chickpeas are not nuts and belong to leguminous family.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas can be freezed even in soaked form. It may remain fresh for 3-4 days if properly freezed. For proper freezing remove all the water from the Chickpeas and put them in an airtight container.
Modern Science View
Chickpeas are an excellent source of carbohydrates and proteins, which constitute about 80% of the total dry seed weight. Dried Chickpeas contain about 20% protein. The bulk of the seed is made up of carbohydrates (61%) and 5% fat. Crude fiber is mostly located within the seed coat[2].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Al-Snafi AE. The medical Importance of Cicer arietinum - A review. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy.2016;6.
- Zafar TA, Kabir Y.Chickpeas suppress postprandial blood glucose concentration, and appetite and reduce energy intake at the next meal.J Food Sci Technol. 2017 Mar;54(4):987-994.
- Jukanti AK, Gaur PM, Gowda CL, et al.Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A review.Br J Nutr.2012;108(1):11-26.
- .Rose S.Whole Beauty: Masks & Scrubs: Natural Beauty Recipes for Ultimate Self-Care.Artisan Division of Workman Publishing.2019.
- Meyer K.Chapter 3-Foods that promote peaceful sleep. Eat to Sleep: What to Eat and When to Eat It for a Good Night's Sleep―Every Night. Adams Media. 2019.1 edition.70-71.
- Love LS. Chickpea Flour Does It All: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian Recipes for Every Taste and Season. The Experiment.2016.4-6.
- Restpro M.Master Plants Cookbook: The 33 Most Healing Superfoods for Optimum Health.Running Press Adult .2016.
- Price J,Blayney D.Essential Vegetarian Cookbook.Allen & Unwin. 2004:20.
- Fares C,Menga V.Chapter 41: Chickpea(Cicer arietinum L) Fortification of cereal-based foods to increase fibre and nutrient content.Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health: Benefits, risks and mechanisms of whole grains in health promotion.Academic Press.2014:533-34.
- Shukla TP.Chapter3:Body,mind and their connections depend on the food we eat.Our Genes,Our Foods,Our Choices.Author House.2014:61-62.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.