Are roasted fava beans a healthy snack to give to kids?
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to navigate the minefield of unhealthy foods out there that are squarely targeted at children. Sugary, fatty, unhealthy foods are everywhere and it’s becoming quite a challenge to pack a wholesome lunch for kids that they’ll actually enjoy and not throw in the bin. Seemingly ‘healthy’ foods are often laden with added sugar, artificial nasties and empty calories that offer no real nutritional value. There needs to be more options for what we pack in our children’s school lunch boxes or give them as an after school snack.
For children that are obese, they can suffer physical, emotional and social health problems. Problems relating to weight can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver
- High blood pressure
- Stress on bones and joints
- Behavioural problems
- Low self esteem and stigmatisation
Another major issue are food allergies. Allergies to peanuts, eggs and cow’s milk are the most common in children. Allergies can develop at any stage of life, but are most common in children aged five years or younger, and even young babies can develop symptoms of food allergy.
Due to the seriousness and increasing numbers of sufferers, more and more schools are declaring themselves ‘nut free zones’ to protect the safety of children with allergies. This can be a source of stress and anxiety for parents who aren’t sure of what is safe to pack in their child’s school lunch box. For parents of a child with an allergy, they are on constant alert as to what their child may consume both inside and outside of the home, and even if the parents own child doesn’t suffer from the allergy, their child could share food with a child who does have a food allergy.
At The Happy Snack Company, we understand that these are very serious, challenging issues for many parents, which is why we’re pleased to make giving kids healthy snacks suitable to take to school a little bit easier. Our Chic Peas and Fav-va Beans are naturally high in fibre and protein, low in saturated fat and come backed by a Five Star Health Rating. All of our healthy snacks are peanut, tree nut, gluten, wheat, dairy and egg free, so finally allergy friendly doesn’t have to mean taste free. With new Kids BBQ and Pizza flavours now available, our Fav-va Beans are a super crunchy, delicious snack they’ll love. Now in convenient, lunch box friendly 15 gram packs, they won’t know they’re good for them, but you will.
Are roasted chickpeas good for me?
Chickpeas are truly one of nature’s wonder foods. Consumed around the world for centuries in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa and India, but often overlooked in western society, chickpeas are one of the oldest foods known to man – and with very good reason. Chickpeas are packed full of amazing nutritious qualities you may not have been aware of, that are certainly worth taking a closer look at.
Chickpeas are a great source of both soluble and dietary fibre, both are very important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Soluble fibre may assist with reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream and helps maintain blood sugar levels, which may help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and also aid in managing diabetes. The dietary fibre in chickpeas and their low glycemic index (GI) may also assist with weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer.
Nutrition Australia recommends males should aim to include 30 grams of fibre in their diets per day and females should aim for 25 grams. Amazingly, just half a cup of cooked chickpeas contains approximately 6.25 grams of dietary fibre.
Chickpeas are also high in protein and iron so they are a brilliant substitute for meat. Protein is essential for the human body to perform the most basic of tasks; we cannot function without it. One cup of cooked chickpeas equates to single serving of protein.
As if that wasn’t enough! Chickpeas are also a great source of folate, antioxidants, B group vitamins, calcium, phosphorous, zinc and magnesium. And let’s not forget that they are low GI, as well as being low in fat and kilojoules, so can assist with weight loss when incorporated into a calorie controlled diet.
Given all of these incredible benefits, it’s clear that Chickpeas provide valuable nutrition to everyone, particularly those who are on vegetarian, gluten-free, heart healthy, calorie controlled and diabetic diets.
Or if you’re simply looking for a quick and easy, healthy snack for you and your family that isn’t laden with saturated fat, sugar and artificial additives, The Happy Snack Company Chic Peas are ideal. Peanut, tree nut, gluten, wheat, dairy and egg free, but definitely not taste free, our Chic Peas are slow roasted to perfection and seasoned with all natural ingredients. Finally, a wholesome snack you can feel good about giving to your family that’s actually delicious. Healthy snacking just got easier.