Chickpeas are one of the common and useful legumes that can be added to the diet during pregnancy in various forms, whether cooked or boiled, to take advantage of its nutritional value and health benefits. The benefits of chickpeas for pregnant women Follow us, dear reader, this article.

The nutritional value of chickpeas

According to the USDA, one cup of chickpeas contains the following nutritional value:

• Energy: 267 calories
• Protein: 14.4 grams
• Fat: 4.2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 44.7 grams
• Fiber: 12.5 grams
• Calcium: 80.4 grams
• Iron: 4.7 mg
• Magnesium: 78.7 mg
• Phosphorus: 274 mg
• Potassium 474 mg
• Zinc: 2.5 mg
• Copper: 0.6 µg
• Selenium: 6.1 micrograms
• Vitamin C: 2.1 mg
• Folic acid: 280 micrograms
• Choline: 69.7 mg
• Beta-carotene: 26.2 micrograms
• Vitamin E: 0.6 mg
• Vitamin K: 6.6 mg

The benefits of chickpeas for pregnant women

Here are the most important health benefits of chickpeas for both mother and fetus:

Regulate blood sugar

Adding an appropriate amount of chickpeas to the diet during pregnancy helps control blood sugar levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes, because it contains fiber.

Asthma protection

One study indicates that the fiber in chickpeas has a significant role in protecting the child from asthma and respiratory diseases after birth.

Relieve constipation

The dietary fiber in chickpeas also helps improve digestion and treat digestive problems, thus relieving annoying constipation experienced by some pregnant women.

Supporting fetal growth

Chickpeas contain many essential vitamins and minerals that support the proper growth of tissues and organs of the fetus.

Protects against anemia

Because it contains iron, which maintains the level of hemoglobin in the blood and thus prevents exposure to dangerous anemia during pregnancy.

Protection against neural tube defects

Chickpeas are legumes rich in folic acid, which helps prevent fetal exposure to neural tube defects and spinal cord problems.

Provides energy for pregnant women

During pregnancy, the body works double, so it needs high levels of energy to be able to adapt to the changes of pregnancy, and chickpeas provide large levels of energy, so the pregnant woman must add it to her diet on a regular basis.

Fetal brain development

Because it contains choline, which is an important element to support the proper growth and development of the fetal brain and prevent exposure to deformities or birth defects.

Fetal bone development

Chickpeas contain calcium, phosphate, manganese, zinc and vitamin K, all of which are important elements that help strengthen bones.

Supporting the general health of the mother

Chickpeas help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, as well as reduce inflammation and help control weight and prevent weight gain.

The benefits of chickpeas for general health

After learning about the benefits of chickpeas for pregnant women, here are the most important benefits for public health:

• Diabetes management because it contains fiber that helps regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes.
• Protection against osteoporosis because it contains calcium and other important elements that help strengthen bones.
• Preventing high blood pressure because it contains potassium that regulates blood pressure.
• Maintaining heart health because it contains fiber, potassium, B vitamins, iron and other important elements that reduce harmful cholesterol and protect the heart and blood vessels.
• Reducing the risk of cancer because chickpeas contain many powerful antioxidants such as selenium and beta-carotene, which fight cancer-causing free radicals.
• Stimulating memory, because chickpeas contain choline, which supports the functions of the nervous system, improves mood and activates memory.

After finding out The benefits of chickpeas for pregnant women You can consult your doctor about eating chickpeas and the appropriate amount for you to ensure that you benefit from it while preserving your health, wishing you a healthy pregnancy and a healthy fetus.