Chickpea
Scientific names: Cicer arietinum
Family: Fabaceae
Alternate names: Bengal Gram, Chana, Channa, Chick Pea, Egyptian Pea, Garbanzo, Garbanzo Bean
Background
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a protein-rich pulse widely eaten worldwide, especially in India, the Mediterranean, and Africa. It's high in fiber and healthy fats.
The dried seed or bean of chickpea, known as a pulse, is a rich source of protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat. Eating chickpea might help to reduce blood sugar levels after a meal.
People sometimes use chickpea for diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The dried seed or bean of chickpea, known as a pulse, is a rich source of protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat. Eating chickpea might help to reduce blood sugar levels after a meal.
People sometimes use chickpea for diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Chickpea is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if chickpea is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Side effects might include stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chickpea is safe or what the side effects might be.
Allergy to certain other nuts or pectin: Chickpea might cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex or to other legumes, such as lentils.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chickpea is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chickpea is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if chickpea is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts.Allergy to certain other nuts or pectin: Chickpea might cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex or to other legumes, such as lentils.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using chickpea for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Chickpea is commonly consumed in foods. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chickpea might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Chickpea interacts with any medicines. Before taking Chickpea, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
Chickpea contains a chemical called phytate. Phytate might affect how the body absorbs some nutrients from foods, including iron, zinc, and calcium. But the phytate in chickpea might be broken down in the stomach, so it's not clear if this is a big concern.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
