Getting a plant based meal in today was an easy task with garbanzo beans on deck. Did you know that 2 cups of garbanzo beans, aka chickpeas, will provide you with your entire daily value (%DV) of fiber? This legume packs a punch with its nutritional value. In addition to its fiber content, which helps to protect against colon cancer and support heart health by reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, it is also high in protein. These two macronutrients together play a role in the natural regulation of blood sugar.

Making a garbanzo bean bowl takes little time from prep to serve. It’s fast food your way at home without sacrificing the nutritional value and proof that meal prep doesn’t have to be a time consuming task. Drain, season, toss, simmer and voila, a delicious filling main dish or side to your meal. See full recipe below along with a spicy scientific fact.

Ingredients 🌿

• 13.4 oz Organic Garbanzo Beans (3)
• 3 tbs Organic Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp ea.
• 1/8 tsp Cayenne
• 1 cup Organic Red Cabbage (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Marinara
• 1/2 cup Organic Tikka Masala Sauce

Directions 🔖

• Drain garbanzo beans and place in a bowl
• Chop red cabbage
• Add all ingredients (except sauces) and toss
• Transfer beans to sauce pan
• Add marinara and tikka masala sauce
• Stir and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes
• Lower heat and allow to simmer slowly for an additional 5 minutes
• Serve & enjoy!

Spicy Scientific Fact!

Let’s talk about the benefits of the spicy addition to this bowl. Cayenne pepper contains the chemical capsaicin. It’s the chemical that creates the burning sensation inherent to spicy foods. This chemical has been proven in scientific studies to induce pharmacological effects benefiting several conditions, including some neurological and dermatological in nature. As a result, it has been used in topical ointments, lotions, gels and patches to provide pain relief. What is the capsaicin mechanism of action (MOA) or in layman’s terms, how does it work? Howard S. Smith, an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Albany Medical College explains in his book, Current Therapy In Pain, that relief is achieved by depleting the nerve endings of Substance P. Substance P is a neuropeptide made of 11 amino acids. As a neurotransmitter, it is released in the peripheral nerves of the skin, muscles and joints in response to painful stimuli resulting in the sensation of pain. Depletion of Substance P blocks its pain sensation pathway.

Food and certain food ingredients can play a powerful role in health, both from a preventative and curative support perspective. Before discontinuing any medications on your mission to improve and or sustain optimal health, consult with your healthcare provider.