Roasted chana has amazing health benefits, which are not given much thought when it comes to healthy snacking. This protein and fiber rich thick food, commonly referred to as roasted chana or roasted chickpeas is an ancient Indian snack indulged in since time immemorial. It is not only cheap but also very nutritious, and thus cooked it is among the best substitutes to the fried and processed snacks.
What is Roasted Chana?
Roasted chana (i.e. roasted chickpeas or lentil Bengal gram) is produced by roasting whole black chickpeas until it becomes crunchy and crispy. This process not only improves on its flavor, but it preserves its nutritional value as well In comparison to greasy snacks, roasted chana is fat free and full of the necessary vitamins, iron, fiber and proteins.
It is popularly consumed as tea-time snack in India and it is usually combined with jaggery to become an energy-giving snack. Ease of preparation and its high nutritional content makes this one of the healthiest snacks of all ages.
Nutritional Value of Roasted Chana
Before we get into a detailed account of the benefits of roasted chana sketching a glance at the nutritional profile of roasted chana would suffice (per 100 grams of roasted chana):
- Calories: about 360 kcal
- Protein: 20-22 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-65 g
- Fiber: 17-18 g
- Fat: 5-6 g
- Iron: 8-9 mg
- Calcium 40-50 mg
- Magnesium: 140-150 mg
- Potassium: 800-900 mg
This is due to its very rich nutritive composition, hence the long standing inclusion of roasted chana in traditional diets.
Best 10 Benefits Of Roasted Chana For Overall Wellness
1. Weight Loss
Among the most commonly consumed advantages of roasted chana is the fact that it helps with weight management.
- High in Protein: Protein will keep you satiated and prevent the feel of hunger. Just a few roasted chana in the evening snack can keep away excessive eating and curb unwanted hunger.
- High in Fiber: Fiber aids with digestion and fills one up, which is why it is a great food option when trying to lose weight.
- Low in Calories: As opposed to fried snacks, roasted chana packs a punch nutritionally with less amount of calories, which makes it the perfect solution to those that are keen on their calorie intake.
2. Diabetes
Roasted chana is the safe diabetes friendly snack of diabetic patients.
- GI: Roasted chana is low GI, which means that it releases sugar at a slow rate into the bloodstream, and causes blood sugar levels to not rise dramatically.
- Helps Insulin Sensitivity: It can assist with blood-sugar regulation and the effectiveness of insulin reactions.
3. Heart Health
Heart diseases have become very common in the present generation, but roasted chana can be helpful in keeping this healthy:
- Regulates Cholesterol: Soluble fiber that is present in roasted chana helps in keeping cholesterol down.
- High levels of Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolics prevent the damage caused by oxidative stress by protecting the heart.
- Potassium and Magnesium: Potassium and Magnesium regulates blood pressure and heart functioning.
4. Energy Boost
Roasted chana is one way to solve your lack of energy.
- Complex Carbohydrates: This releases energy steadily within the day.
- Iron Content: Avoids anaemia and increases oxygen level in the body, decreasing fatigue.
- Ideal Sports Snack: It is a perfect pre- and post-workout snack as the protein + carb combination provide good nutrition.
5. Digestion
The right digestion is a major contribution to overall health and roasted chana plays an important role.
- High Fiber: Prevents constipation and helps keep the bowel regular.
- Gut Health: It supports the healthy bacteria of the gut since it is a prebiotic.
- Better absorption of Oils: It has better absorption of oils due to healthy digestive system.
6. Muscle Building
Roasted chana is a cheap source of protein which is liked by the fitness and bodybuilding oriented people.
- High content of Proteins: Proteins facilitate muscle repair and growth after exercising.
- Amino Acids: Important to build tissue, and aid in the process of recovering muscles.
- Low Fat: contains lean protein free of fat.
7. Skin and Hair
Nutrition shows on your hair and skin and roasted chana will help in this.
- High on Zinc and Iron: It enhances skin radiance and guards against dullness.
- Vitamin B Complex: Builds roots and helps the hair grow.
- Protein: Promotes the formation of collagen that results in firm young skinkin.
8. Roasted Chana Benefits for Women
Particularly during pregnancy and menstruation, women can gain a lot:
- Iron: Imparts helpful benefits as a hemoglobin in prevention of anemia and helps to boost blood circulation.
- Folic Acid: It is necessary during pregnancy, to curb the risk of neural tube defects in the children.
Whereas calcium and magnesiumomote strong bones and reduce menstrual cramps.
9. Benefits of Roasted Chana for Men
Men are also able to benefit when they consume roasted chana:
- Zinc is Booster: The zinc in the roasted chana is beneficial to the hormonal balance.
- Muscle Development: The high protein content assists in the growth of lean muscles.
- Stamina and Energy: Enhances stamina, and physical performance.
10. Other Surprising Roasted Chana Benefits
- Benefits the Bone Health: Calcium and magnesium make the bones strong.
- Enhances Immunity: The availability of the vitamins and minerals and the antioxidants in them boost the immune system.
- Weight Gain (When Paired with Jaggery): Whilst roasted chana can result in weight loss, when consumed with jaggery or ghee, it helps in gaining weight in a healthy way to those that want to gain weight.
How to Include Roasted Chana in Your Diet
There are various ways of taking roasted chana in order to get maximum health benefits:
- Eat plain roasted chana as a snacky snack
- Roasted Chana and jaggery is an energy combination.
- Add roasted chana in salad to give a crunch.
- Dry it into sattu flour and add to water as a cool refreshing drink during summer.
- Mix with onion, tomato and spices to create a tangy chaat.
Roasted Chana vs. Fried Snacks
| Aspect | Roasted Chana | Fried Snacks |
| Calories | Low | High |
| Fat Content | Minimal | Excessive |
| Nutrients | High protein, fiber, vitamins | Low nutrients |
| Digestion | Easy | Heavy |
| Health Impact | Positive | Negative |
Clearly, roasted chana is a far healthier option compared to fried or processed snacks.
Conclusion
The benefits of roasted chana are tremendous and include weight control, diabetes prevention, and better digestive system along with the ability to enhance your skin, hair, and muscles. Roasted chana is an excellent idea to include in the daily regimen to avoid compromising general health. It is inexpensive, nutritious and multifaceted, and that is why it is one of the most optimal snacks you could add into your diet.
No matter which of these is your purpose, roasted chana can provide you with desired outcomes. Having roasted chana comes as a blessing to people of all ages, which shows why this snack food is a superfood in disguise.
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