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710 people read this blog
(6 min read)
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710 people read this blog
(6 min read)

Black Chana: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more

Introduction

Chana has been an essential part of our diet, and people across the country enjoy it in their unique ways. Black chana is a staple ingredient in every Indian household used in the preparation of salads, soups and other side dishes. It is packed with proteins, fibre, and carbohydrates, which makes it an excellent addition to your everyday diet. The demand for black chana is growing high in which India being the largest producer of black chana, and more than 50 countries are producing it. Black chana can be more than a snack or food ingredient because of its potential uses1. Let us discuss the benefits of black chana. 

Black Chana benefits

Nutritional Value of Black Chana

Black chana has high nutritional value as it contains plenty of nutrients like carbohydrates, fibre, proteins, vitamins and minerals2.   

Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates: 57.8g  
  • Proteins: 22.4g
  • Fat: 6.69g 
  • Fibre: 10.8g
  • Sugar: 10.8g
  • Energy: 387kcal  

Minerals

  • Iron: 4.86mg    
  • Calcium: 45mg
  • Magnesium: 166mg  
  • Phosphorus: 318mg 
  • Sodium: 64mg
  • Potassium: 846mg 
  • Zinc: 2.81mg
  • Copper: 0.912mg 
  • Selenium: 8.3μg 
  • Manganese: 1.6mg 

Vitamins

  • Vitamin B1: 0.486mg   
  • Vitamin B2: 0.106mg
  • Vitamin B3: 1.76mg   
  • Vitamin B5: 0.606mg 
  • Vitamin B6: 0.492mg
  • Folate: 437μg

Properties of Black Chana

The properties of black chana are as follows. 

  • It may show antioxidant properties  
  • It may show anti-inflammatory properties  
  • It may show anti-ulcerative properties   
  • It may show anti-bacterial properties   
  • It may show antifungal properties   
  • It may show anti-cancer properties   
  • It may help in managing weight  
  • It may lower blood sugar levels 
  • It may help lower blood cholesterol1 

Potential Uses of Black Chana for Overall Health

Black chana is rich in nutrients, which may show potential uses against many health conditions. Some of the uses of black chana are given below.  

1. Potential uses of black chana for diabetes

Chickpeas have a low glycemic load and a lower glycemic index with strong amylose, which digests slowly. These elements assist in avoiding unexpected spikes in blood sugar and glucose concentrations, which may help in type 2 diabetes by maintaining the overall sugar in the blood3. However, if you are suffering from a severe condition like diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider before using black chana or any herbal remedy for its benefits.  

2. Potential uses of black chana for heart disease

Black chana contains a substance called sterol, which structurally looks like cholesterol. It interferes with cholesterol absorption in the blood and may help in reducing blood cholesterol levels. The high fibre content and unsaturated fats may also help in managing the lipid content in the blood. These properties may help in maintaining healthy heart conditions3. However, more research is needed to support the use of black chana against heart disease. Therefore, you should stick to the doctor’s advice in case of any heart condition.  

3. Potential uses of black chana for weight management

Black chana is a rich source of fibre, and these fibres give a sense of fullness in the stomach, and it takes more time to digest. The feeling of fullness helps in lower food intake, and this may lead to proper weight management3. However, if you want to lose or manage weight, you should talk to a dietitian or nutritionist. They can guide you about each diet’s risks and benefits.  

4. Potential uses of black chana for gut health

Black chana contains a substance called raffinose, which is broken down by the gut bacteria into Butyrate. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCF) which may help in reducing inflammation in the gut, maintain regularity in the intestine and keep the gut healthy. However, if you experience any problems with your gut, reach out to your doctor and get a diagnosis.  

Though some studies show the potential uses of black chana in various diseases, there is a need for further studies to find the true extent of the benefits of black chana on human health.  

How to Use Black Chana?

There are many ways to make black chana a part of your diet.   

  • Roast and season them for a healthy snack 
  • Put it in soups, salads and other side dishes  
  • Bend it with herbs and spices to make Hummus 
  • Use the powder as a replacement for regular flour  

You must consult a qualified doctor before consuming black chana or herbal remedies. You should not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Black Chana

You need to consume Kala chana in moderate amounts as they contain high fibre. Overeating fibre is associated with side effects like stomach pain and gas4.  

Also, before using black chana or any herbal remedy, talk to your healthcare provider about the possible side effects associated with its use.  

Precautions to Take with Black Chana

Some general precautions associated with the black chana are as follows.  

1. Precautions for pregnant women 

Black chana is safe for pregnant women in normal food quantities. Black chana is a good source of fibre and folate5. However, it should not be consumed in excess in as it can cause side effects 

2. Precautions for breastfeeding women 

Breastfeeding women should avoid eating black chana in excess. Instead, black chana should be consumed in moderate amounts.  

3. Precautions for the elderly and children 

Children should eat black chana under the guidance of their elders to avoid overeating. Also, black chana should be consumed in moderation by the elderly to avoid stomach problems.  

Before using black chana as a medicine or for its benefits, talk to your doctor about the possible precautions associated with its use. It will help you avoid unwanted health effects.  

Interactions with Other Medicines

There is a lack of data on the interaction of black chana with medicines. If you are on medication or treatment for a particular disease condition, talk to your healthcare provider about the possible interaction of the treatment with other foods and medicines.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of black chana?  

Black chana can be an excellent addition to an everyday diet due to its high nutritional value. Other potential uses of black chana may include lowering diabetes, avoiding the risk of heart diseases, weight management and maintaining proper gut health3. However, before using black chana against any health condition, talk to your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis.  

Can I use black chana for weight loss? 

Fibre-rich foods might be an effective way to manage weight, and black chana is a good source of fibre. Fibre provides a feeling of fullness in the stomach for a longer period, thereby reducing food intake3. However, people looking to lose or manage weight should talk to a healthcare provider or a dietitian. They will be able to guide you better.

Is black chana good for hair? 

No valid reports claim the potential effects of black chana on hair. There is a need for more research regarding this subject. 

References

  1. Jukanti AK, Gaur PM, Gowda CL, Chibbar RN. Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): a review. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Aug;108(S1): S11–26. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/nutritional-quality-and-health-benefits-of-chickpea-cicer-arietinum-l-a-review/BCD8920297E987AAABBC12BFF90EB0CF 
  2. FoodData Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 9]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2644282/nutrients
  3. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chickpeas-garbanzo-beans/ 
  4. Dietary fibre – Better Health Channel [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fibre-in-food 
  5. Pregnancy and diet – Better Health Channel [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-diet 
  6. Dulce-María DA, Adrián CR, Cuauhtémoc RM, Ada-Keila MN, Jorge MC, Erika AS, Edith-Oliva CR. Isoflavones from black chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) sprouts with antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Jan;28(1):1141–6. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.048. PMID: 33424409; PMCID: PMC7783802.Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7783802/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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