NEW DELHI: Black chickpeas, or ‘kala chana’, have various health benefits for the whole body. Studies have confirmed that black chickpeas have a rich nutritional profile that can nourish the body with essential nutrients. The growing popularity of black chickpeas in health-conscious diets like vegan and vegetarian lifestyles is due to their high-quality protein and fibre content.
Surprisingly, kala chana offer a low glycaemic index, making them a secret weapon for managing blood sugar levels effectively. Transform your meals with the nourishing addition of kala chana, elevating flavours and boosting wellness with their nutrient-packed goodness.
10 Health Benefits Of Kala Chana
1. Rich Source Of Plant-Based Protein
Kala chana are a rich source of plant-based protein that supports muscle growth and repair. This is also a great vegetarian protein alternative to animal-based products. An adequate supply of protein is responsible for effective weight loss, which makes consuming this legume an easy solution for shedding the extra kilos. But weight loss is a complex journey that requires persistent efforts, exercise and dietary choices for long-term shedding of excess fat.
Raw kala chana have about 22.4 grams of protein per 100 grams according to the National Library of Medicine(2023).
2. Effective Weight Loss
Studies have documented that kala chana have certain compounds that can help in effective shedding of excess fat, especially around the belly. In order to maximise the health benefits for effective weight loss, moderate consumption is important. Studies confirm that regular consumption of legumes such as black kala chana can increase satiety (feeling of fullness) with fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
3. Regulates Digestive Health
Kala chana have a high fibre content that can help improve gut health and prevent constipation. Regular bowel movements make consuming black chickpeas ideal for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome (environment). Studies confirm that kala chana has benefits for digestive health, as in a pool of 940 obese people, regular legume consumption showed promising results. Regular legume consumption has a positive impact on body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. A daily serving of beans resulted in about half a pound lost after six weeks, compared with those who did not consume a daily serving of legumes.
4. Effectively Manages Diabetes
The low glycaemic index of kala chana means that they easily release energy in the body without causing blood sugar spikes. This also means that regular consumption of kala chana can stabilise blood sugar levels in the body. Additionally, this property should make regular black chana consumption a part of a diabetic-friendly diet.
Other benefits of the kala chana are: Improves heart health, strengthens immunity, enhance bone strength, support skin and hair health, offer an energy boost.
