Introduction
Bengal gram, also known as chickpeas and Chana (in Hindi) is a nutritious legume. You can eat Chana after cooking it in various dishes or after roasting it. Roasted Chana is considered more nutritious when eaten with its outer skin. Cooked Chana is good for your health, but it loses some of its nutrients during the cooking process.
This article discusses the health benefits of eating roasted Chana.
Roasted Chana is rich in protein and provides an essential protein supplement for vegetarians and vegans. It can also be used as an economical way of fighting protein malnutrition in developing countries. The nutrients in Chana include vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.
Changing lifestyles in India and the availability of high disposable incomes have boosted the demand for convenience foods like roasted Chana. Demand for products perceived as healthy and nutritious is ever-increasing.
Health benefits of eating roasted Chana
Important health benefits of eating roasted Chana are:
- When eaten with the outer shell, roasted Chana is a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It is low in fat and calories and can help in weight loss programs. Eating roasted Chana with skin can help people undergoing weight loss programs.
- Compared to other ready-to-eat snacks in the market, roasted Chana is a healthy snack since it contains protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins.
- Roasted Chana (with skin) stays longer in your stomach and does not spike your blood sugar. This makes it good for people with diabetes. It has a low Glycaemic Index of 28-35.
- Roasted Chana is rich in plant-based proteins and is a good protein supplement for vegetarians and vegans.
- Does your tongue itch for a snack in between meals and you are trying to control it worrying about increasing body weight? You may try a fistful of roasted Chana. It satisfies your tongue, keeps your tummy filled till the next meal, and does not appreciably increase your weight. It is a good and healthy snack to consume between meals.
- The rich content of dietary fiber in roasted Chana can help digestion and ease the constipation problem.
- 100 grams of roasted Chana contains about 60 grams of carbohydrates to energize you for the day’s work.
- Roasted Chana contains calcium and phosphorus, which are considered good for your bone health.
- Roasted Chana contains iron, a critical mineral for our overall body health.
Negative effects of eating roasted Chana
A coin has two sides. Similarly, every food including roasted chana has its negative side. So, the negative effects of eating roasted Chana are:
- Moderate consumption of roasted Chana helps digestion. However, overconsumption can lead to gas and bloating. If you are not used to eating roasted Chana, introduce it slowly. Take the advice of your doctor.
- Subject to how the roasted Chana is spiced, it may contain additional salt. This may adversely affect people suffering from hypertension. Unsalted roasted Chana in small quantities can be consumed by such people.
- If you are allergic to legumes and in particular chickpeas/Chana, please consult the doctor before adding roasted Chana to your diet.
Conclusion
Roasted Chana has been a tea-time snack in Indian homes for centuries. It is liked by adults and children. However, it is important to control the quantity of roasted Chana we eat. Eat moderately. This applies to all good food including roasted Chana.
Hope this article was useful to you. Happy and healthy eating!
You may view these YouTube videos on the topic. First, Second (Hindi), and Third (Hindi).
You may want to read the following articles:
Roasted Chana Manufacturing Process
What is Sabudana and how it is made in India
How Poha is made from rice (paddy)
Nutrients and Vitamins in Cornflakes
How Murmura or Puffed Rice is made from Rice
How Rice is Grown and Harvested in India
How Ragi Huri Hittu or Popped Ragi Powder is Made
Note: If you are new to Chana and Roasted Chana, please consult your doctor before adding them to your diet. It is good to take the doctor’s advice before adding a new food to your diet.