9 Mediterranean Food All-Stars to Always Keep in Your Kitchen

Mediterranean food: Garbanzo beans

Pulses, a term encompassing all edible seeds of the legume family, are fiber-rich protein sources. Research published in Nutrients found that garbanzo beans, aka chickpeas, have more fiber than most pulses. The “1/2-cup Habit” campaign encouraging inclusion of pulses in your diet at least three times per week has inspired thousands to boost their fiber intake. And, chickpeas contain three times more folate, a vital B-vitamin, than kale! Pulses assist in weight control, too. And, these babies are as versatile as can be. Toss ½ cup into your salad or whip up a quick hummus for spreading on toast or dipping vegetables into. We also like them roasted with spices; dietitian Amy Gorin’s crunchy garbanzo beans will soon be your favorite snack. Here are other beans you should be eating to drop pounds.