Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (2024)

#nutrition

By Charles Li, MD

Introduction

Lentils and chickpeas are some of the world's healthiest foods. They're packed with fiber and proteins. They also have lots of other vitamins and minerals, unlike processed carbs such as white bread and white rice.

Nutrition Comparison

Chickpeas

Lentils

++

Calories

++

++

Fiber

+++

++

Protein

+++

Food Facts

Lentils and chickpeas are both ancient foods that have been cultivated for thousands of years.

They are key ingredients in dishes across many cuisines and cultures.

chickpeas

Wikifacts

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (1)

History

One of the earliest cultivated legumes

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (2)

Foods

A key ingredient in hummus, falafel, chana masala.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (3)

Production

India produces 66% of all chickpeas

Lentils

Wikifacts

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (5)

Foods

Eaten soaked, germinated, fried, baked, or boiled.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (6)

Production

Canada produces 33% of all lentils.

Top Benefits

Both chickpeas and lentils have lots of protein and fiber. This helps with digestion, blood sugar control, and weight loss, among other benefits.

#nutrition

Chickpeas

top benefits

Top 5 Benefits

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (7)

Fiber

Chickpeas are very rich in fiber, both soluble and insoluble.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (8)

Protein

Chickpeas can help with diabetes management as they don't cause surges in blood sugar

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (9)

Digestion

The fiber in chickpeas can help with digestion and support your microbiome.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (10)

Blood Sugar Control

Chickpeas can help with diabetes management as they don't cause surges in blood sugar

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (11)

Weight Loss

High fiber foods increase your feeling of fullness

Top Benefits of Lentils

Lentils have similar benefits as chickpeas since they are from related plants.

#nutrition

Lentils

top benefits

Top 5 Benefits

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (12)

Lentils are one of the best sources of plant protein

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (13)

Fiber

Lentils are one fo the best sources of dietary fiber.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (14)

Digestion

The high fiber content of lentils helps with digestion.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (15)

Heart health

Foods with high plant protein have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

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Colon Cancer

Eating lots of legumes, such as lentils, has been linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrients are nutrients that your body needs in large amounts. These include fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (17)

Calories

Chickpeas have more calories than Lentils

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (18)

Calories

Per Cup

Chickpeas

269

Lentils

230

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (19)

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (20)

Cooked lentils have fewer calories than cooked chickpeas. If you want to lose weight, both are great options. However, you can eat more lentils than chickpeas for the same amount of weight gained.

Calories measure the amount of energy in food. Foods with more calories give us more energy but also causes us to gain more weight. If you are trying to diet, or lose weight, foods with low calories are better.If you are trying to gain weight, high-calorie foods are better.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (21)

Total Fat

Chickpeas have more fat than lentils

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (22)

Total Fat

Chickpeas vs Lentils

Chickpeas

4.2

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (23)

Lentils

0.8

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (24)

Chickpeas have more fat than lentils. However, because they are good fats, we're willing to declare Chickpeas as the winner when it comes to fats.

Fats from plants and vegetables in particular tend to be healthy. Chickpea and lentils both only contain what scientists consider "good fats." Therefore, Chickpeas are better as they have more "good fats."

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (25)

Dietary Fiber

Lentils have more dietary fiber than Chickpeas.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (26)

Dietary Fiber

grams per cup

Chickpeas

12.5

Lentils

15.6

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (27)

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (28)

Winner: Lentils

Fiber is a strange nutrient. It doesn't provide calories and doesn't stick around your body. However, it's one of the healthiest things you can eat.

Fiber reduces your cravings and caloric intake. It also supports good gut nutrition.

Since lentils have more fiber, lentils win this round.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (29)

Protein

Lentils contain more protein than Chickpeas.

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (30)

Protein

grams per cup

Chickpeas

15

Lentils

18

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (31)

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (32)

Both chickpeas and lentils are great sources of vegetable protein. However, since lentils have more of this healthy nutrient, lentils win this round.

Winner: Lentils

Chickpeas and Lentils | Infographics (2024)

FAQs

Are chickpeas and lentils the same thing? ›

Since lentils have more fiber, lentils win this round. Lentils contain more protein than Chickpeas. Both chickpeas and lentils are great sources of vegetable protein. However, since lentils have more of this healthy nutrient, lentils win this round.

Are lentils and chickpeas good for you? ›

All tinned or dried beans, peas and lentils are pulses. They're great to add to your diet, because they are high in protein and fibre, low in fat and cheap to buy. That means they can save you money, help you manage your weight and lower your risk of bowel cancer.

Are chickpeas carbs or protein? ›

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ). Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein.

Are chickpeas a complete protein? ›

Chickpeas are a good source of protein.

Like most other plant protein sources, chickpeas are not a complete protein and do not contain all nine essential amino acids. Chickpeas are rich in some essential amino acids, including lysine and arginine, but lack the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cystine.

Do chickpeas or lentils cause gas? ›

Legumes. Beans, lentils and chickpeas are notorious for their ability to cause bloating and wind thanks to their high fibre content. Despite this, you may not need to avoid them altogether. Many people tolerate canned legumes better than they do dried varieties.

Can I replace chickpeas with lentils? ›

Lentils tend to have a more peppery and nutty taste compared to chickpeas. However, they still make a great alternative as they are a good source of protein and are similar enough in flavor and texture to easily fit into a variety of dishes.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Thanks to the robust flavor, these lentils pair well with meaty veggies and marinated proteins like mushrooms, tofu, and seitan. Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Is there anything unhealthy about chickpeas? ›

Risks. People should not eat raw chickpeas or other raw pulses, as they can contain toxins and substances that are difficult to digest. Even cooked chickpeas have complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and lead to intestinal gas and discomfort.

Are lentils a carb or protein? ›

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

Can I eat chickpeas every day? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›

Not only are these superfoods super tasty, but they're also extremely versatile. Meaning, no matter how long you're socially isolated, you won't run out of ways to make chickpeas. "Chickpeas are wonderful to add directly to your dish—like salad, pasta, or soup—for extra protein and fiber," Cannon told us.

Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

Yes, it has carbs, but your body digests them slowly. That means they aren't absorbed as quickly as other carbs and won't spike your blood sugar. The chickpeas in hummus give it lots of fiber and protein to fill you up.

What has more protein eggs or chickpeas? ›

With about 6 grams of protein apiece, eggs are an excellent source of this vital nutrient. But lots of other foods offer as much or more. For example, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) provide nearly 8 grams of protein per 1/2 cup.

What can I mix with chickpeas to make a complete protein? ›

Mix them with either a whole grain or a nut/seed of some sort. Any combination of legumes and whole grains, or legumes and nuts or seeds, will make a “complete” protein that contains all the essential amino acids found in meat or dairy.

Which is healthier, chickpeas or garbanzo beans? ›

Are there differences in nutrients between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? No, chickpeas and garbanzo beans do not have a nutritional difference, as they are the same type of legume.

Are lentils or chickpeas high in carbs? ›

Generally speaking, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta all have a high amount of carbohydrates; each one contains half the daily recommended amount of carbohydrates.

What beans are also called chickpeas? ›

The chickpea or chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its different types are variously known as gram or Bengal gram, chhola, chhana, chana, or channa, garbanzo or garbanzo bean, or Egyptian pea. Chickpea seeds are high in protein.

Are chickpeas healthy? ›

While naturally low in saturated fat, chickpeas are nutrient-dense. They provide nearly 20 grams of protein in a ½-cup serving and 5 grams of dietary fiber. Chickpeas also are a source of folate, iron, vitamin C and phosphorus.

Are chickpeas a pea or bean? ›

And to confuse things a little more, chickpeas are beans, not peas.

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