May benefit digestion and promote brain health
The high fiber content of chickpeas has a number of advantages for digestive health. Most of the fiber in chickpeas is soluble, which means that it combines with water in your digestive tract to create a gel-like material. In your gut, soluble fiber may assist promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of unfavorable bacteria. This may result in a lower chance of developing several digestive diseases, including colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). One review found that chickpeas may enhance digestive health by increasing bowel movement frequency, ease, and regularity.
Chickpeas may promote mental and cognitive health due to their outstanding nutritional profile. This is in part due to the fact that they are an excellent source of choline, which is essential for proper brain function. This vital nutrient is particularly necessary for the creation of a few neurotransmitters that serve as chemical messengers for the nerve cells in your body. Choline is essential for newborn development, but little is known about how it affects adult health. A substantial amount of magnesium, a necessary mineral for nerve function, is also present in chickpeas. Additionally, studies suggest that a number of minerals present in these legumes, such as magnesium, selenium, and zinc, may function as antidepressants and anxiety reducers.