how much protein is in chana - #37666
I am really confused about my diet lately. I usually eat a lot of plant-based stuff, you know, trying to eat healthier and all that. I recently read that chana is one of the best sources of protein but how much protein is in chana? Like, I make this chickpea salad every other day, but I honestly have no clue if I'm getting enough protein from it! Sometimes I feel fatigued after workouts, which could be kinda normal but I can't shake off this nagging feeling that I’m not fueling my body right. I mean, if chana has high protein then I’m thinking I should be eating more, but how much protein is in chana really? Like if I eat a cup or something, is that a good enough source? I’ve heard different things, and I don’t know who to trust! Oh, and my friend said roasted chana has a different amount, right? If that’s the case, should I be sticking to raw or cooked? I just want to make sure I’m doing this right because I don’t wanna waste my time with the wrong info. Hopefully, you guys can help clear this up for me! 😅
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Doctors' responses
Chana, or chickpeas, are indeed great plant-based source of protein. In terms of numbers, cooked chickpeas have roughly 15 grams of protein per cup (about 164 grams when measured). That’s quite a decent amount, especially if you’re focused on plant-based nutrition! However, whether or not it’s sufficient for your individual needs depends on your overall dietary plan, activity level, and specific health goals.
If you’re looking at roasted chana (often referred to as chana dal), it contains slightly higher protein concentrations—around 20 grams per 100 grams. The roasting process can make some nutrients more digestible and alters its protein content slightly, so if taste or texture is a consideration, roasted chana’s a great addition to your diet too.
When integrating chana into your diet for better protein intake, consider combining them with grains like quinoa or whole wheat to make a complete protein profile, meeting all essential amino acid needs. You can easily incorporate these into salads, curries, or even as snacks.
In Ayurveda, we often view food not just by its macro-nutrient profile but also by how it affects your energies—your doshas. Chana is considered a balancing ingredient for Kapha, but can potenciatte Vata if taken in excess due to its dry nature. To mitigate this, cook them with warming spices like cumin, ginger, or asafetida to aid digestion and assimilation.
If fatigue is your concern, it might not just be about the protein; ensure you’re hydrated and getting enough calories to support your activity level. Inadequat intake of calories, sleep deprivation, or an imbalanced intake of other vital nutrients can also exacerbate fatigue symptoms. Consider visiting a nutritionist or ayurvedic practitioner who can provide a holistic review of your lifestyle.
Including a balanced variety of vegetables, grains and legumes can provide a more rounded nutritional support along with chana. Adjustments are all about understanding your body’s unique constitution and signals—what energizes you, what makes you sluggish which varies person to person.

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