Chickpea Pasta: What You Should Know
By Sara Butler
There are many different types of pasta out there. You can find whole grain, whole wheat, and now chickpea pasta easily at your local grocery store. While not all pasta can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, what about chickpea pasta? If you're considering trying out this new type of pasta, here's what you need to know.
Is It Good for You?
Chickpeas alone are really healthy for you. They're full of protein and fiber and they're plant-based, which makes them great choices for vegetarians as a source of protein. Chickpea pasta also delivers on the nutritional promises that chickpea in the name implies. When you compare it with regular pasta, it has twice the fiber and protein with fewer calories. This pasta is naturally gluten-free, too.
Chickpea pasta can also save you a little bit of money since you won't need to buy additional protein to go with it.
Is It Low Carb?
For those of you trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, chickpea pasta may be a good option. One serving of this type of pasta has about 40 percent fewer carbohydrates than more traditional pasta, but it's important to read the nutritional information since the amount depends on the brand.
Is it a Good Choice for Diabetics?
If you have diabetes and must closely watch your food intake, then compared to traditional pasta, chickpea pasta is a good alternative. The combination of fiber and protein in chickpea pasta is what makes it such a good choice since these nutrients help to slow digestion and keep blood sugar levels more stable after you eat.
Just be careful of the toppings you choose to go with this pasta. Many jarred tomato sauces have added sugar, so be mindful. Also just say no to any glazed meats that may seem like a good pairing with this pasta. While protein is a great way to help control blood sugar levels when you eat, dousing it in a sugary glaze will remove any benefits.
What to Look For
If you want to give chickpea pasta a try, then there are a few things to be on the lookout for to make sure you're getting the good stuff. Always read the ingredients list and look for chickpeas or chickpea flour as one of the first ingredients. If they have flours made from other beans or peas listed, that's not a bad thing either. These can often add more protein.
Try something new with chickpea pasta and get more nutrients along the way!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Riverside, Calif.