I love this nutrient dense soup; it is a comfort soup and is especially delicious in cold weather.
Like all beans, chickpeas (garbanzo) are a super food because of their substantial nutritional content (protein, B vitamins, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium and phytonutrients) and their health benefits.
Chickpeas have been associated with a number of possible health benefits for medical conditions:
- Brain health: Chickpease have an array of phytonutrients that may help boost memory and enhance brain functioning. They’re a great source of folate and magnesium. Folate has been shown to boost cognitive function, while magnesium boosts learning skills and improve sleep
- Bone health: The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K content present in chickpeas all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.
- Heart health: The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B-6 content and significant amounts of fiber, helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
- Cancer: Chickpeas contain selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables. Selenium prevents inflammation, plays a role in liver enzyme function, helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body, and also decreases tumor growth rates.
Addition ingredients that make this so nutrient dense:
Cilantro: A good source of vitamin K and array of minerals linked to healthier brain functioning
Coconut milk: Is rich in medium-chaing triglycerides, which have been shown to improve cognitive performance; it’s a great source of key minerals, vitamins B1 and C tat help maintain energy and boost mood
Kale: Is rich in antioxidant falvonoids, vitamin K which boosts memory, mood-elevating vitamin C and vitamin A which can improve learning skills
Tumeric: Has been shown to boost cognitive function, protects against cardiovascular problems, which can help keep our brains sharp and healthy. It is a good source of iron and brain essential B vitamins.
References:
Katz, R with Edelson, M. (2008). The Healthy Mind Cookbook. Berkely, CA: Ten Speed Press