Classical Ayurvedic Profile & Preparation
The desi chana — denser, more fibrous and more mineral-rich than its white cousin; the traditional strength food of wrestlers, soaked and eaten at dawn.
Traditional Preparation (Samskara)
Longer soaking and cooking than kabuli; sprouting or overnight soaking is traditional. Robust nutrition that demands robust agni — earn it with exercise, as the wrestlers do.
Classical Provenance: Bhavaprakasha (chanaka); akhara (wrestling) tradition.
Synergistic Combinations (Samyoga)
- soaked overnight with ginger and salt (akhara breakfast)
- ghugni-style curry (east India)
- sundal with coconut (south, festival)
Contraindications & Viruddha Āhāra (Food Incompatibilities)
- Contraindication: vata excess / gas-prone
- Contraindication: weak digestion
- Contraindication: unsoaked or undercooked (never)
Verified USDA Nutrition Facts for Black chickpea
Complete macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral profile per 100 grams and per 1/4 cup dry (50g):
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving (1/4 cup dry) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (Calories) | 287 kcal | 144 kcal |
| Protein | 18.8 g | 9.4 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39.6 g | 19.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.2 g | 12.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | 0.5 g |
| Total Fat | 5.1 g | 2.6 g |
| Calcium | 150.0 mg | 75.0 mg |
| Iron | 6.78 mg | 3.39 mg |
| Magnesium | 160.0 mg | 80.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 267.0 mg | 133.5 mg |
| Potassium | 935 mg | 468 mg |
| Sodium | 27 mg | 13 mg |
| Zinc | 3.37 mg | 1.69 mg |
| Copper | 0.85 mg | 0.42 mg |
| Manganese | 2.71 mg | 1.35 mg |
| Selenium | 41.2 µg | 20.6 µg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 172.0 µg | 86.0 µg |
| Vitamin E | 1.72 mg | 0.86 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.1 µg | 1.1 µg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.37 mg | 0.18 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.24 mg | 0.12 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 2.10 mg | 1.05 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.36 mg | 0.18 mg |
