chana contains how much protein - #22912
I am really curious about something and hope someone can help! I've been looking into my diet lately because I've been feeling kinda sluggish, and I think I might not be getting enough protein. I heard that chana contains how much protein, but like, I keep seeing different numbers everywhere. I used to eat a lot of chana (you know, the chickpeas?) especially in salads and curries, but then I switched to other things, thinking they might be better for protein. Just last week, I had this chana salad for lunch and I remembered how good it tastes, but it made me wonder again—chana contains how much protein exactly? Is it even a good source compared to, like, other legumes or meat? I wanna make sure I’m getting enough protein because I've been working out and I feel like I need some energy! I feel like if I knew the real number of how much protein chana contains, I could plan my meals better or even just eat more of it, you know? It’s just a bit confusing, like, some places say it’s super high while others make it sound like any ol’ bean. Anyone got some clarity on this? Would be super grateful!
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Doctors' responses
Chana, or chickpeas, is indeed a great source of protein, and it’s quite popular in various diets, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Generally speaking, chana contains about 15 grams of protein per cooked cup (around 240-250 grams). This number can vary slightly depending on how they’re prepared or cooked, but it gives a pretty good baseline. Compared to other legumes, chickpeas are quite competitive as a protein source. For example, lentils have slightly more protein, roughly around 18 grams per cooked cup, while black beans and kidney beans have slightly less to equal protein content to chickpeas.
When it comes to comparing it to meat, chickpeas have less protein compared to an equal weight of chicken or beef, which typically have about 25-30 grams of protein per 100 grams, but they’re still a strong option, especially when consumed in larger quantities or combined with other food sources. Including chickpeas in your diet provides not only protein but also a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals which can aid in digestion and provide sustained energy across the day—a key factor when you’re working out regularly. To enhance your protein intake effectively, you could pair chickpeas with grains like quinoa or incorporate them into diverse recipes ranging from salads to stews, keeping your meals varied and balanced.
If you’re feeling sluggish and suspect your protein intake might be low, consider maintaining a dietary log for a week. This way, you can track not just your protein consumption but also your entire macro and micronutrient intake, helping identify any deficits. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment a little with your cooking; you might find that varying the legumes or combining them with other protein-rich foods can make your meals not only nutritious but enjoyable, providing both the necessary energy and satisfaction after meals.
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