Short Answer: Chickpeas are good for weight gain. Because they have protein and fiber that can help you feel full and reduce your calorie intake, and complex carbohydrates that can provide you with energy and fuel your metabolism.
Weight gain is a condition that affects your body composition and health.
It occurs when you consume more calories than you burn, leading to an increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen.
In weight gain, your body stores excess energy as fat in adipose tissue, which can produce hormones and inflammatory substances that affect your metabolism, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
This can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
One of the key factors in managing weight gain is diet.
What you consume can affect your calorie intake, appetite, and satiety, which can impact your weight gain and overall health.
To effectively manage weight gain, you should consume protein-rich foods like lean meats, eggs, fish, and dairy products, and avoid refined carbohydrate-rich foods like white bread, pasta, pastries, and sugary drinks.
Now, chickpeas are legumes that are high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
They also contain various vitamins and minerals, such as folate, iron, zinc, and manganese.
People usually eat them cooked, boiled, or mashed, or use them to make dishes like hummus, falafel, and salads.
Chickpeas are good for weight gain because they contain protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and reduce your calorie intake.
They also have a low glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels after eating, which can trigger hunger and overeating.
One cup (164 grams) of cooked chickpeas can give you 269 calories, 14.5 grams of protein (29% of your daily needs), 12.5 grams of fiber (50% of your daily needs), and 45 grams of carbohydrates (15% of your daily needs).
Protein can help you build and maintain muscle mass, which can boost your metabolism and burn more calories.
Fiber can help you regulate your digestion, lower your cholesterol, and prevent constipation.
Carbohydrates can provide you with energy and fuel your brain and muscles.
Furthermore, chickpeas are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for weight gain.
Because, they tend to be lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than animal-based foods, and higher in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber that can protect against chronic diseases.
You can eat one to two cups of chickpeas per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
Also, you shouldn’t eat chickpeas if you have a legume allergy, gout, or kidney stones to prevent an allergic reaction, a gout flare-up, or kidney stone formation.
Because, chickpeas contain proteins that can trigger an immune response, purines that can increase uric acid levels, and oxalates that can form crystals in the urine.
You can buy fresh, canned, or dried chickpeas in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic, non-GMO, and BPA-free chickpeas.
Because, they are free of pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and bisphenol A, which can harm your health.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing weight gain effectively.
I always recommend my weight gain patients to follow a weight gain-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.