Chickpea: A Promising Solution for ‘Hidden Hunger

Abstract

Hidden hunger, also known as malnutrition, is a serious development challenge that affects people who have limited resources. It is characterized by a lack of essential vitamins, proteins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins. Hidden hunger can have long-term, irreversible health effects and can also impact the economy. Using fortified foods has been one of the top strategies for lowering the 'hidden hunger' particularly for vulnerable households with limited dietary diversity. Protein supplements are commercially available for managing protein malnutrition. However, these remain inaccessible to the poor due to their high costs. Chickpeas has been reported to contain numerous vital nutrients, such as proteins, carbs, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fatty acids that promote health. This study a reviewed chickpeas as a possible solution to protein and micronutrients malnutrition. Chick contains all the essential amino acids that that are necessary for protein synthesis yet cannot be synthesized by the human body. Histidine composition range was 0.55-3.66 g/100 g, isoleucine 0.71-9.78 g/100 g, leucine 0.57-10.60 g/100 g, lysine 0.72-7.30 g/100 g, methionine 0.13-2.42 g/100 g, phenylalanine 0.43-6.26 g/100 g, threonine 0.53-6.60 g/100 g, tryptophan 0.21-1.38 g/100 g and valine 0.74-7.29 g/100 g. Chickpeas was also found to be rich in nutrients such as include Mg, P, K, Na, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. Sulfur containing amino acids are present in limited amounts hence the recommendation that chickpeas diets be complemented with other plant based methionine rich foods especially for vegans.