This one of my favorite healthy snacks, and kids loves this too! Throw away your sweet junk snacks and switch to healthy bites you can nibble on in between meals. Chickpeas, along with the other ingredients are loaded with nutrients & phytonutrients.
- 1 package of chickpeas cooked or soak overnight 12+ hours (you may use half a bag for a smaller portion), you may also use a can of chickpeas
- Raw Organic Honey or Raw Organic Maple Syrup
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper or Chipotle Chili Pepper (based on how hot you like your roasted chickpeas)
- 2 Tbsp +/- of olive oil (1st press, cold press, extra virgin), or melted coconut oil
- a pinch of sea salt to taste (Himalayan salt or Hawaiian Black salt recommended)
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Spread chickpeas in one layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until crunchy and browned.
- Remove, let it cool, and now they are ready to eat!
Nutrition and health benefits of chickpeas:
1. Protein: Chickpeas has good source of folic acid, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium and molybendum. Also they provide fat free and high quality protein.
2. Lower your risk of heart disease: Regular consumption of chickpeas or garbanzo beans can lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Studies also shown that chickpeas can lower the risk of heart disease.
3. For Women: Garbanzo contain phytochemicals called saponins, which can act as antioxidants. It could lower the risk of breast cancer, and protect against osteoporosis. It also minimizes hot flushes in post menopausal women.
4. Iron for energy: Chickpeas can boost your energy because of their iron content. If you’re pregnant or lactating, your needs for iron increase. Children and adolescents also have increased needs for iron.
5. Weight Loss: Due to high fiber content, chickpeas are good for weight loss diets. Salad with chickpeas are tasty and also keep you full longer which helps to contol the appetite. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells.
6. Manganese: Chickpeas has excellent source of trace mineral manganese. It is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes in energy production and antioxidant defenses.
7. Molydenum: Molybendum is a mineral for body’s mechanism to detoxify sulfites. Sulfite-sensitive individuals may experience headaches, confusion and a racing heartbeat.
8. Glycemic index: High fiber and low glycemic index content of chickpeas prevents blood sugar or blood glucose levels from rising too rapidly after a meal. Legumes can be digested very easily because of their high fiber content. Chick peas is a great choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.
9. Constipation: Dietary fiber prevents constipation and digestive disorders.
10. Calcium: Chickpeas has siginificant source of calcium.
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