Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, have a long history of use in Middle Eastern countries. They have a nutty taste that pairs well with numerous ingredients and dishes. Chickpeas are technically a type of pulses, which are the dried, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Although there are many types of garbanzo beans, the most common is the Kabuli variety, which exhibits a smooth texture and buttery flavor. This is the most common variety in the United States. 

Chickpeas contain a moderate amount of calories at 269 per cup. Roughly 67% of those calories come from complex carbohydrates, while the rest come from protein and healthy fats. They also provide different vitamins and minerals, some of which are listed in the following nutritional profile, which is from a one-cup serving of cooked chickpeas:

• Calories: 269
• Fat: 4 grams (g)
• Protein: 14.5 g
• Fiber: 12.5 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Copper: 64% of the daily value (DV)
• Iron: 26% of the DV
• Manganese: 74% of the DV
• Zinc: 23% of the DV
• Thiamine: 16% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 22% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV
• Selenium: 11% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV

As you can see, chickpeas contain an array of nutrients and are particularly rich in manganese, folate, and protein. Learn more about their health benefits below. 

They May Protect Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Your risk increases if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. By adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet, you can help care for your heart. Fiber works to lower cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol absorption by the body. It also helps you increase the excretion cholesterol via stool. Chickpeas also contain phytonutrients, including isoflavones and saponins, which have heart-protective properties. Research shows that isoflavones protect against high blood lipid levels and plaque buildup in the arteries. Saponins bind to cholesterol and inhibit its absorption by the digestive system, which ultimately lowers blood cholesterol levels. 

They Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Chickpeas have a low glycemic index (GI), which is a marker for how quickly blood sugar rises after eating food. Most diets that promote blood sugar management include chickpeas for this reason. Chickpeas also contain fiber and protein, both of which may help regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber slows the absorption of carbs, promoting a steady rise in blood sugar instead of a spike. One small study found that eating 1.25 cups of chickpeas suppressed post-meal increases in blood sugar by 35% compared to eating 2 slices of white bread. Other studies associated chickpea intake with a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. 

They May Support Healthy Body Weight

As previously mentioned, chickpeas contain a lot of fiber and protein, two nutrients that play a role in satiety. These nutrients slow digestion and increase glucagon-like cholecystokinin and peptide-1, both of which help you feel fuller after eating. Choosing foods, like chickpeas, that are richer in fiber and protein can help you eat fewer calories, which is good news for your waistline. Studies show that eating chickpeas can reduce appetite and help you eat fewer calories per day. A small study from 2017 included 12 women and compared a serving of white bread to 200 grams of chickpeas. Study authors observed that the women consumed 194 fewer calories at their next meal, which was two hours later, after consuming the chickpeas.

They May Support Brain Health

Chickpeas contain choline, which plays a role in brain function. This nutrient is necessary for the production of certain neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers for your body’s nerve cells. Although choline is vital for infants, its role in adult health is not well researched. Research shows that magnesium, selenium, and zinc, all of which are in chickpeas, protect against anxiety and depression. 

They May Boost Digestive Health

The fiber in chickpeas is mostly soluble, meaning it blends with water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. Not only does soluble fiber make it easier to pass stool, but it also helps increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut. That may reduce the risk of certain digestive conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer. Lastly, one review found that chickpeas may support digestive health by improving the ease, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements.

SHARE:

The post The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Chickpeas appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

No, this article is not a joke. Those little tiny green peas that you see in the freezer section of grocery stores are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich in protein, lots of fiber, and exhibit impressive antioxidant activity. They also offer lots of micronutrients, including vitamins C and K and manganese. Besides their impressive nutritional profile, green peas are very versatile and deserve to be a staple food in your diet. 

What Are Green Peas?

Green peas are technically the seeds of the pod fruit and considered a fruit, not a vegetable. The reason for this is because they have seeds and develop from the ovary of the pea flower. These pods contain several small peas, either yellow or green in color, and (despite their fruit classification) are popularly used as vegetables in culinary applications. Different pea varieties offer different flavor profiles and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or added to soups, stir-fries, and even desserts.

Peas have a rich history of culinary use, being a staple food in Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, and British cuisines. In fact, archaeologists found evidence of wild pea consumption dating all the way back to 9750 B.C. Different civilizations consumed peas throughout the course of history, but were they aware of their nutritional benefits? Even if they weren’t, you can be by reading about the following health benefits of green peas.

Rich In Protein

Protein makes up the foundation of your skin, muscles, bones, and hair, but it plays a role in overall health. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues as well as synthesize enzymes and hormones. A protein deficiency can impair immune function, stunt growth, and decrease energy levels. Green peas are naturally rich in pea protein, with a cup of peas providing 8.6 grams. That makes green peas on par with other plant-based proteins, including quinoa, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast. 

Support Healthy Digestion

In addition to the impressive protein content, green peas boast 8.8 grams of fiber per cup, which fulfills 35% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Studies suggest that incorporating more fiber-rich foods into your diet benefits several aspects of your health, especially digestion. Fiber passes through the digestive tract undigested, which adds bulk to stool to increase stool frequency. Some research indicates that fiber may benefit digestive conditions, including stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

May Protect Against Cancer

Green peas contain a lot of antioxidant compounds, which work to fight free radicals. They also help to relieve inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells. In some in vitro studies, some antioxidants in green peas have exhibited anti-cancer properties. Saponins are a type of antioxidant compound found in green peas, and they may inhibit tumor growth. According to a 2009 review from Canada, saponins in green peas and other legumes may have therapeutic effects against some types of cancer. Another review of in vitro studies found that saponins were able to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. That said, more research is necessary to confirm the promising anti-cancer activity of green peas. 

Support Blood Sugar Control

The fiber and protein in green peas may help regulate blood sugar levels. In turn, these efforts may prevent symptoms like fatigue, increased headaches, and frequent urination (more common among diabetics). Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Increasing protein intake has also been associated with lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Not only that, but green peas have a low glycemic index. One review found that eating lots of foods with a low glycemic index, such as peas, can help lower the risk of diabetes.

SHARE:

The post Green Peas: The High-Fiber, Protein Superstar You Need appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Following a low-calorie diet can be difficult if you are filling up on the wrong foods. Educating yourself on which foods have the lowest calories is a great first step, but the next step is finding which of those foods have a lot of fiber. You see, you can eat a lot of low-calorie foods, but they won’t necessarily fill you up. If you eat high-fiber foods, though, you will feel fuller for longer. 

A common trend among low-calorie foods is that they are naturally low in fat and sugar, making them great for weight loss. Taking in fewer calories than you extend is helpful on your weight loss journey. That said you also need fiber-rich foods to feel full and benefit the digestive system. If you are in search of low-calorie, high-fiber foods to incorporate into your weight loss meals and snacks, there are plenty of delicious options. Continue reading to learn about the foods that are readily available.

Beans And Legumes

Cooked legumes, such as lentils, peas, and beans, are full of fiber and low in calories. They provide lots of plant-based protein and are very inexpensive and versatile. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, people should consume at least 1.5 cups of them each week. You can use beans as a meat replacement in burritos or in burgers. Lentils, peas, and chickpeas go great in soups and stews, and you can add veggies as well. Top salads with chickpeas or black beans, and you can always browse the internet for more legume recipe inspiration.

Vegetables

Ideally, you should aim to consume at least 2.5 cups of vegetables every day. Incorporate certain vegetables into smoothies, salads, stir-fries, soups, stews, and other entree options. Roast some Brussels sprouts, grill some green beans or asparagus, or go green with a big bowl of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and more. Most vegetables are low in calories and have lots of water and dietary fiber, making them hydrating, filling options. One cup of boiled Brussels sprouts, for example, contains 56 calories and 3.3 grams of fiber. A 100-gram serving of raw sweet potatoes offers 86 calories and three grams of fiber.

Fruits

A good rule of thumb is to always keep fresh fruit in the house. You can always incorporate fruit into smoothies, on top of yogurt, in salads, desserts, or simply enjoy raw fruit as it is. Fruit usually has 100 calories or less per serving, while also providing lots of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Take a medium apple, for instance, which offers 95 calories and three grams of fiber. One cup of blueberries contains 84 calories and 3.6 grams of fiber, while a medium pear offers 101 calories and six grams of fiber. And bananas, which everyone should have in their kitchen, offer 89 calories and 2.6 grams of fiber per one medium banana. 

Whole Grains

Packed with fiber, B-vitamins, iron, protein, and other nutrients, whole grains are a great low-calorie addition to your diet. You can incorporate whole grains into breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert options. Enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, a quinoa-based Buddha bowl for lunch, and chickpea pasta or wild rice and legumes for dinner. You just have to be careful with how many grains you consume in a day because the calorie content can add up quickly. One cup of oats offers 307 calories, but it also gives you 8.1 grams of fiber. A single serving (about one cup) of quinoa offers 5.1 grams of fiber, 8.1 grams of protein, and 222 calories. Just be careful not to use packaged, pre-made, or microwaveable varieties because they often contain other preservatives, sodium, and added flavors that negate their health properties. 

SHARE:

The post Fill Up On These Low-Calorie, High-Fiber Foods appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Who doesn’t have a bag of frozen peas in their freezer? Whether you need to ice a sore neck or make a shepherd’s pie, frozen peas have their purpose. Green peas have an impressive nutritional profile and their calorie content is fairly low. About 70% of those calories come from complex carbohydrates, while the rest come from protein and healthy fats. Plus, peas contain nearly every vitamin and mineral you need. In fact, a half-cup serving of peas contains:

• Calories: 62
• Carbohydrates: 11 grams (g)
• Protein: 4 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Vitamin A: 34% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Vitamin K: 24% of the RDI
• Folate: 12% of the RDI
• Manganese: 11% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 15% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 13% of the RDI
• Iron: 7% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 6% of the RDI

The great thing about this pea puree is its versatility. Use it as a dip with raw vegetables or spread it on a crisp crostini. Making a meal? Use this pea puree as a hummus substitute for your pita pocket. If you want to get really fancy, consider spreading it on the bottom of your plate and topping it with sautéed portobello mushrooms and their cooking juices. You can even use this as food for babies just starting on solid foods! You really want to know the best part? Simply defrost the peas, blend the ingredients together, and then enjoy.

SHARE:

The post Five-Minute Pea Puree appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Is hummus good for you? The shorter answer is that it is if you make it yourself. If you buy flavored, packaged hummus from the store, you may be consuming excess amounts of sodium, preservatives, and flavorings. Not all store bought hummus is bad for you, but most are not as nutritious as the recipes you make yourself. 

What Is Hummus?

Hummus is a great dip that’s made by blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. There are many variations, but that is a fairly standard recipe. Homemade hummus is an excellent source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. In fact a 100-gram serving of hummus provides the following nutrients:

• Calories: 166
• Fat: 9.6 grams (g)
• Protein: 7.9 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Carbs: 14.3g
• Folate: 21% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Phosphorus: 18% of the RDI
• Copper: 26% of the RDI
• Iron: 14% of the RDI
• Manganese: 39% of the RDI
• Zinc: 12% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 10% of the RDI

Now, it should be noted that the above nutritional breakdown comes from plain hummus. We aren’t talking about roasted red pepper, garlic, roasted artichoke, or pine nut hummus varieties. Hummus can be an excellent source of dietary fiber, which works to keep you regular by adding bulk to stools, making them easier to pass. Additionally, the body’s gut bacteria turns some of the fiber from hummus into short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which helps nourish colon cells. 

Are There Other Benefits? 

Hummus is full of heart-healthy fats, which come from the olive oil. Studies have shown that people who consume oils with healthy fats have a lower risk of death from heart disease. Increasing your consumption of olive oil by two teaspoons a day may reduce the risk of heart disease by 10%, according to one study. Eating hummus that contains tahini (made from sesame seeds) may also reduce inflammation. The sesame seeds work to reduce IL-6 and CRP, vascular inflammatory markers, which increase the risk of arthritis. Finally, hummus has a low glycemic index, helping you avoid a sharp blood sugar spike. The fats in hummus also slow the absorption of carbs from the gut, providing a slower, steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. 

We could go on about hummus and the many health benefits all day, but you came for the recipes and we’re going to give them to you. Read on to learn how to make six variations of this amazing dip. 

Classic Homemade Hummus

Whip up a batch of this healthy homemade hummus and enjoy a smooth, creamy dip that bursts with hints of cumin and garlic.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Spicy Cilantro Avocado Hummus

Indulge in this ultra creamy and slightly spicy dip for a healthy snack. Even though it is quick and easy to make, it is oh so delicious.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Cucumber Chickpea Hummus

You can’t go wrong with cucumber, dill, and chickpeas. There isn’t much to say about this except, “Ready your carrot sticks for dipping!”

Click here to make the recipe. 

Un-Beet-Able Hummus

This isn’t your average dip. The flavors in this hummus are un-beet-ably delicious and you’ll find yourself coming back for more, one dip at a time.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Hummus With Kale Pesto

While this isn’t a Full Body Cleanse approved dish, it is a vegan dip that will change up your dip game for good. It’s like having two dips in one! Make it and you’ll never regret it.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Spicy Black Bean Hummus

This southwestern take on a traditional hummus recipe uses black beans instead of chickpeas. Get ready for the spice when eating this dip!

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post The Best Hummus Recipes 6 Ways appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone is always on the lookout for a quick and flavorful dinner. Sure, there is something beautiful about spending hours and hours in the kitchen to create one magical dish. Unfortunately, time isn’t always on your side, especially if you have a family to feed. Nobody wants to start cooking at six only to eat close to ten-o’clock! That’s why we love this quick vegan chickpea and spinach curry.

Curry is a pretty loose term because colonizers used it to simplify what they saw in foreign countries. Today, people associate the word “curry” with a dish that has a spiced sauce and meat or vegetables. You typically eat it with flatbread like naan, or you accompany it with rice. Classic curry dishes that may ring a bell are tikka masala, masoor dal, vindaloo, butter chicken curry, etc. For this curry, you don’t need an entire spice cabinet, nor do you need a long list of meat and veggies.

This is a tomato-based curry, using canned crushed tomatoes to establish a luxurious creaminess and slightly acidic flavor. You tame the acidity of the tomatoes with the coconut milk, which you can always add more of if you need it. Because this curry contains green peas, chickpeas, and spinach, you don’t have to worry about being hungry after a bowl. It has incredible depth of flavor that we know you are going to love. In the picture, you’ll notice that rice is in the bowl, and you can either enjoy the curry with or without rice. Please make the rice according to the right measurements.

SHARE:

The post Quick Vegan Chickpea & Spinach Curry appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We don’t feel awful about saying that these falafels are out of this world. You might be thinking, “Chick, please, how can those falafels be the best?” Too many puns within the intro of this recipe? Good! These falafels are crunchy, herbaceous, and come together in a matter of minutes. You just need the power of a food processor and the heat of an oven and you can create an authentic falafel!

There are people who only make falafels from dry chickpeas, and then there are some who use canned chickpeas. The main difference is that you have to soak dry chickpeas for about 24 hours in order to soften them enough for blending. Canned chickpeas are already cooked, so you just need to pat them dry before blending. The drying step is integral to the success of your falafel dough. Falafel dough that is too moist will not crisp well or lose shape in the oven. As you’ll see in the ingredient list, there is very little liquid for that reason. The lemon juice is more for flavor than a blending agent.

If you feel that your falafel dough is too moist, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing it into the dough to bind and thicken it. Lastly, you want to make sure that you don’t over-bake the falafels. Nobody wants dry, crumbly falafels, so keep an eye on them during the baking process. A little more softness in the center is what you want, so just keep that in mind.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Baked Falafels appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Pesto sauce may be the undisputed champion of condiments and sauces. It’s simply a beautiful combinations of powerful ingredients. The rich, aromatic basil pairs with the fragrant garlic and bright lemon juice. Pesto goes great on sandwiches, over zoodles, and it even works as a dip. In fact, this pesto makes for an excellent dip because it has more body than your average sauce. The green peas, which are not on a traditional pesto ingredient list, add protein and thickness. Because of this, you need to blend the pesto in a food processor.

The secret to a perfect pesto sauce is to have minimal liquid. You obviously need liquid to aid the blending process, but the goal is get away with using as little as possible. This recipe only calls for the juice of one lemon and 1/2 cup of olive oil. You can make it in a high-speed blender, but it will come together a lot easier in a food processor. Lastly, make sure to adjust the pesto to your liking. You may need to tinker with the seasonings to achieve the flavor you want.

Note: This recipe is not cleanse-approved. It contains green peas, which are not raw.

SHARE:

The post Easy Peasy Green Pea Pesto appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We are all about this sweet pea puree! It isn’t quite pea soup, and it isn’t quite a dip. It is a hybrid, but you can drizzle it over some steamed vegetables and it’ll be delicious.

SHARE:

The post Sweet Pea Puree appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

This recipe takes mac and cheese to a new level, nay, a new dimension of deliciousness. It’s different from what most people are used to, but it’s important to try new takes on old classics. You can always make a healthy rendition of a traditionally unhealthy dish, and this recipe is the perfect example of that.

SHARE:

The post Vegan Mac & Cheese with Peas appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.