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30 healthy chickpeas recipes

30 healthy Chickpeas recipes

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are one of the oldest consumed crops in the world and remain one of the most popular today across nearly every continent. Chickpeas have been a part of certain traditional diets for over 7,500 years!

Chickpeas are a type of legume that offer a range of health benefits. Chickpeas help to

  • increase satiety,
  • boost digestion,
  • keep blood sugar levels stable,
  • increase protection against disease
  • provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Increases Satiety and Helps with Weight Loss

Chickpeas are high in both protein and fiber, which helps to make you feel full and to curb food cravings and unhealthy snacking. Studies have shown that consuming fiber is correlated with having a lower body weight.

Chickpeas give us a feeling of being full after eating, while also helping to control our blood sugar levels and therefore maintaining our energy.

Improves Digestion

Chickpeas make my list for the 20 Ultimate High Fiber Foods, with roughly 6-7 grams per half cup serving. 

Fiber facilitates in healthy digestion by quickly moving foods through the digestive tract, helping to decrease symptoms of IBS and constipation. Fiber works by drawing fluids from the body and binding them to the bulk of forming stool, which contains toxins and waste that must be removed from the body.

The high amount of fiber in garbanzo beans is responsible for its filling effect and helps to improve digestion, but it does much more than this. Fiber aids in heart health, helps to control blood sugar levels, guards against cancer, heart disease, diverticulosis, kidney stones, PMS, obesity, and more.

Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Chickpeas nutrition includes starch, which is a slow burning carbohydrate that the body does not react to by suddenly spiking glucose in the blood.

Unlike simple sugars- found in processed products like refined flour, white bread and pasta, soda, candy, and most other packaged foods- the starches found in chickpeas take an extended period of time to break down once consumed.

Starches contain natural sugars called glucose, which the body uses easily for many essential functions, however glucose can be troublesome for people who are pre-diabetic or who have diabetes. The process of digesting and utilizing the glucose found in all beans and starches is drawn-out, which is extremely important for diabetics who have trouble reaching a stable blood sugar level after contain sugars due to a resistance to insulin.

Helps Protect Against Heart Disease

Chickpeas have been shown to help balance unhealthy cholesterol levels, to reduce hypertension, and to protect against heart disease in multiple ways. Fiber works to create a gel-like substance in the digestive system that binds with fatty acids, helping to balance cholesterol levels. Both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber have been show to be important in helping to control and manage hypertension.

Beans help to keep the arteries clear from plaque build-up, maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and decrease the chances of cardiac arrest and stroke. In fact studies show that having just one daily serving (about 3/4 cup cooked) of beans of any kind can help to decrease chances of a heart attack and to help balance “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Chickpeas nutrition boasts high levels of iron, zinc, folate, phosphorus, vitamin K, and B vitamins, all of which are especially important for vegetarians and vegans who may be lacking in these essential nutrients due to avoiding animal products. Chickpeas are great source of folate, also called Vitamin B6. Folate is important for helping the body to effectively produce new cells as it plays a role in copying and synthesizing DNA. A deficiency in folate can contribute to anemia, poor immune function, and poor digestion; and for pregnant women, a deficiency can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Though phosphate and calcium are both important in bone structure, the careful balance of the two minerals is necessary for proper bone mineralization – consumption of too much phosphorus with too little calcium intake can result in bone loss.

Chickpeas nutrition also includes zinc. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in over 100 important enzymatic reactions in the body. Zinc facilitates in bodily functions including protecting against free radical damage (also called oxidative damage), helps speed up wound healing, plays a part in the copying of DNA, and helps with the formation of hemoglobin within the blood. A deficiency can include frequently getting sick with colds, leaky gut syndrome, consistent digestive problems like diarrhea, poor eye health, infertility, thinning hair, and even stunted growth in children.

Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good bone health because it improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium, making sure that enough calcium is available for building and repairing bone. Low intake of vitamin K is associated with a higher risk for bone fracture.

Click here: Chickpeas recipes notebook

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30 healthy quinoa recipes

Quinoa recipes

Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It technically isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal. In other words, it is basically a “seed” which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. They referred to it as the “mother of all grains” because the Incas believed it increased the stamina of their warriors.

Here are sone health benefits of quinoa:

Protein rich

It is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.

Control diabetes

Contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. Fiber helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes, lowers cholesterol and glucose levels,  and may help you to lose weight because it makes you feel fuller for longer and is less “energy dense” which means it has fewer calories for the same volume of food.

Boost circulation

Contains Iron, which helps keep our red blood cells healthy and is the basis of hemoglobin formation. Iron carries oxygen from one cell to another and supplies oxygen to our muscles to aid in their contraction. It also increases brain function because the brain takes in about 20% of our blood oxygen. 

Tissue growth and repair

Contains lysine, essential for tissue growth and repair.

Lower blood pressure

It is rich in magnesium. Helps to relax blood vessels and thereby to alleviate migraines. Magnesium also may reduce Type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar control. 

Increases energy

High in Riboflavin (B2). B2 improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells.

Antioxidant

Quinoa has a high content of manganese, an antioxidant, which helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals.

Click here: Quinoa recipes notebook

List of recipes:

 
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30 healthy kidney beans recipes

Kidney beans recipes

Let me share with you some healthy kidney beans recipes. True to their name, these beans are kidney shaped. They are especially good in simmered dishes where they absorb the flavors of seasonings and other foods with which they are cooked.

The most notable health benefits of kidney beans include:
  • their ability to detoxify the body,
  • improve digestion,
  • lower blood pressure,
  • lower cholesterol levels,
  • increase muscle mass,
  • prevent diabetes,
  • boost circulation,
  • stimulate the immune system,
  • aid vision health,
  • promote strong bones,
  • support energy levels and
  • strengthen cognitive health, among others.

Control Diabetes

Their high level of dietary fiber is great for people looking to control their diabetes or lower its risk. High-fiber foods regulate the amount of blood sugar and insulin, helping to reduce the dangers of spikes and drops in glucose, and stabilize energy levels.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Another major benefit is their ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. Kidney beans can help lower your chances of developing atherosclerosis and suffering a heart attack.

Promote Muscle Growth

Kidney beans are one of the best sources of plant protein. A single cup offers nearly 15 grams of protein. Lean protein breaks down into crucial amino acids that are used for energy production and the growth of muscle tissue, so if you are trying to bulk up and burn fat, kidney beans are an excellent option.

Boost Immune System

Kidney beans contain more than 10% of your daily recommendation of vitamin C in each cup. This can stimulate the immune system and promote the production of white blood cells, first line of defense against foreign pathogens. It is also critical for collagen production, and thus helps repair processes throughout the body.

Eye Care

Boasting a high level of beta-carotene, which breaks down into vitamin A, kidney beans are known for their impact on vision health. 

Lower Blood Pressure

1 cup of kidney beans holds 20% of your daily recommended amount of potassium, a vasodilator that can boost heart health. Potassium helps to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease.

Boost Circulation

Kidney beans provide more than 20% of your daily recommended amount of iron. Iron is a key component in the production of red blood cells. A diet high in kidney beans will boost circulation and cardiovascular health. Also increasing energy levels and delivering oxygen to extremities and areas of the body that need resources the most.

Increase Bone Mineral Density

The list of minerals found in kidney beans includes phosphorus, magnesium, copper and manganese. All of them play a role in bone mineral density. Increasing your mineral uptake will lower your risk of developing osteoporosis, keeping you strong and active as you age.

Stimulate Energy Production

Manganese plays dozens of key roles in the body, including the production of enzymes that are involved in energy production and mitochondrial function. This means more accessible energy in the body if you add these beans to your daily or weekly diet.

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases come in many forms, but when it comes to preventing memory loss, thiamin has been heavily researched. Kidney beans possess high levels of this vitamin (B1), making it an ally for people as they age. Particularly, if they are at risk of cognitive decline or suffer from high levels of oxidative stress.

Improve Digestion

The most well-known health benefit of kidney beans is the impact it can have on digestion. Dietary fiber stimulates the production of gastric juices and promotes peristaltic motion, which keeps the bowels moving normally. Regular consumption can help prevent symptoms of constipation and bloating, while also lowering your risk of hemorrhoids and ulcers.

Click here: Kidney bean recipes notebook

List of recipes:

 
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30 healthy lentil recipes

Lentils healthy recipes

Today I want to share some healthy lentils recipes. Compared to other types of dried beans, lentils are relatively quick and easy to prepare. They readily absorb a variety of wonderful flavors from other foods and seasonings, are high in nutritional value and are available throughout the year.

Lentils nutrition benefits include:

  • the ability to improve and maintain heart health,
  • help you to lose weight in a healthy way,
  • fight blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to diabetes or low energy levels,
  • improve digestive health. 

Lentils are enjoyed all over the world in many types of recipes and are one of the best all-natural meat-substitute foods.

Lower Cholesterol

Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since they contain high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.

Heart Health

Several studies have shown that high fiber foods reduce your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. 

Digestive Health

Lentils contain insoluble dietary fiber which helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Stabilized Blood Sugar

Soluble fiber slows down digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.

Good Protein

26% of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Increases Energy

Lentils increase energy due its fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils contain high amount of iron, which is needed by the body for optimum hemoglobin production. About 36% of the iron of the Daily Recommended value can come from eating 1 cup (200 grams) of lentils every day. Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue.

Women aged 18 to 50 years are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency. Not getting enough iron in the diet can affect how efficiently the body uses energy.

Weight Loss

Although lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they contain virtually no fat. 

 

Click here: Healthy Lentils Recipes Notebook

List of recipes:

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30 healthy tofu recipes

Tofu healthy recipes
Let´s share some healthy tofu recipes. Tofu has gained popularity over the years especially as a vegetarian and vegan approved source of protein. Tofu is made by curdling soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft, white blocks. The process of making tofu is relatively similar to the way that cheese is made from milk. Tofu nutrition is impressive, and that’s why many people assume it’s such a great health food. Per serving, it’s low in fat and calories yet high in protein, amino acids, iron, and calcium.
The negative part of this story is that soy is actually one of the most commonly genetically modified foods in the world, and tofu is made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant, or curdling agent. The vast majority of soy consumed in the U.S. comes from a highly processed form of soy. The soybeans have usually been genetically engineered, cracked, dehulled, crushed, and subjected to solvent extraction to separate their oils from the rest of the bean.

The health benefits of tofu include:

  • helps lower cholesterol levels,
  • prevent anemia and
  • manage weight, among others.

Maintains Cardiovascular Health

Regular consumption of soy products like tofu may lower  cholesterol levels and saturated fats, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its low sodium content, it is also good for people with high blood pressure.

Lowers Cholesterol Level

Using tofu as an alternative to the animal protein can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. As compared to meats such as beef, tofu has lower levels of saturated fatty acids and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. It is also a good source of lecithin and linoleic acid, which helps regulate the metabolism.

Manages Weight

A study suggests that soy-based low-calorie diets have a beneficial effect on reduction of weight and blood lipids.

Eases Menopause Symptoms

The organic compounds in tofu, namely isoflavones, help to manage the symptoms of menopause. Isoflavones are plant-based compounds that mimic the estrogen hormone. Tofu can help stabilize the estrogen levels during menopause and also provide relief from hot flashes.

Ageing

Another benefit of eating tofu regularly is that it slows down the ageing process considerably. Tofu helps retain the elasticity of the skin and tones the facial muscles. 

Hair loss

The human hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. By eating tofu, your hair gets the required protein to produce more hair and keep the existing ones healthy. 

 
 
 

Click here: Healthy Tofu Recipes Notebook

List of recipes:

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