Chickpeas and other legumes are a brilliantly healthy addition to any diet.
They are packed full of helpful nutrients that help your body to maintain its health and all of its important functions.
However, sometimes, the names of these different legumes can become a little confusing and it can be difficult to know which legumes are which.
In this article, we will look at whether chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same things.
Are Chickpeas And Garbanzo Beans The Same?
The short answer to this question is yes, they are.
There is no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans.
However, there is a reason for the different names that are used with these legumes.
The term Chickpeas is the English word for this particular type of legume.
Garbanzo beans is the Spanish word for the same sort of legume.
Classification Of Chickpeas
Chickpeas are classified as legumes.
This is a food group that also contains soybeans, lentils, peas, and peanuts.
Legumes have edible seeds inside them that grow in pods.
Within the legume family, there are two known types: oilseed and non-oilseed.
The non-oilseed type contains a subsection known as pulses.
Chickpeas fall into this subsection.
Types Of Chickpeas
Now that we know that chickpeas are technically known as pulses, we can look at the different types of chickpeas that these pulses can be broken down into.
The two types of chickpeas are known as desi and kabuli.
Desi chickpeas are the smaller type of chickpea that has a thick outer shell.
This shell should be removed before consuming these pulses.
These chickpeas are available in different colored varieties.
The most common varieties are brown, black, yellow, and green.
Kabuli chickpeas are the larger type of chickpea.
Kabuli chickpeas are lighter in color than desi and only have a thin outer shell that doesn’t need to be removed before consumption.
These two types of chickpeas are the types that are most likely to be found on the shelves in your local grocery store.
However, there are multiple studies taking place on various wild varieties of chickpeas that would help to improve crop diversity.
Health Benefits Of Chickpeas
As with all legumes and pulses, there are a plethora of health benefits that come with regular consumption.
Below, we will look at some of the main health benefits of these small but mighty legumes.
Source Of Protein And Fiber
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber.
Both of these are crucial for maintaining a healthy body and a healthy diet.
The protein in chickpeas helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
This can help you to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods in between meals.
Protein also helps to contribute to muscle growth and maintenance which can help to protect your joints and bones.
The fiber in the chickpeas helps to keep your digestive system and bowels operating properly and effectively.
Not only does this allow you to avoid things such as constipation, but it also helps your body to make the most of the food that you eat.
When your digestive system is able to function properly, your body is able to fully absorb the nutrients from your food to help maintain your health.
Weight Management
Chickpeas are also beneficial for weight management.
The weight management benefits most likely come from the protein content of the legumes.
As mentioned above, the protein helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
This in turn helps to prevent you from snacking between meals and overeating at meal times.
Chickpeas are also low in calories and high in nutrients.
This makes them a great food for weight management as they easily fit into diet plans and help to keep your body running as it should do to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Blood Sugar Control
Chickpeas are great at controlling blood sugar levels thanks to their low glycemic index.
The protein and fiber content is also useful for maintaining healthy blood sugars throughout the day.
This can also help to avoid snacking during the day as you are less likely to experience a sugar crash between meals.
Digestive Health
The fiber content of chickpeas helps to protect and maintain your digestive health.
It is the fiber that helps to keep your bowel movements regular and comfortable.
When your bowel movements are regular the amount of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract is increased.
This helps to keep your digestive system healthier.
Chronic Disease Protection
The nutrient profile of chickpeas means that they are very beneficial in the long term.
There are plenty of studies that show that consuming chickpeas on a regular basis can help protect your body from developing various chronic diseases.
Common diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chickpeas And Garbanzo Beans Be Used Interchangeably?
Yes.
Because chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the English and Spanish words for the same legume.
Therefore, both names can be applied to the same food item.
Depending on where you are located, one name might be more commonly used than the other.
Are Chickpeas Good For You?
Yes.
There are multiple health benefits that you can get from regularly consuming chickpeas.
As we mentioned above, these legumes can help to keep your digestive system healthy, protect against chronic diseases, and even help manage your weight.
All of these benefits come from the regular consumption of chickpeas as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
Chickpeas and Garbanzo beans are different names for the same legume.
These small pulses are packed with nutrients and can provide a significant boost to your overall health and well-being.
Best of all, there are so many different things that you can do with these small beans to keep your diet interesting and varied while protecting your quality of life.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas cooked, drained and rinsed
- olive oil Extra-virgin, for drizzling
- Sea salt
- Paprika curry powder, or other spices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lay parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
- Place the chickpeas on a kitchen towel to dry. Remove any stray skins.
- Toss the dry chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil and liberal pinches of salt on a baking sheet.
- Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy. Ovens vary; if your chickpeas aren’t crispy enough, continue cooking until they are!
- Remove from the oven and stir with pinches of your favorite spices, if using, while the chickpeas are still warm.
- Roasted chickpeas should be stored at room temperature in a loosely covered container. These should be used within two days.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.