Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian and nutrition operations manager for a small chain of organic and natural food stores in Vancouver, Canada. Passionate about plant-based diets for more vibrant health, Desiree believes that food should not only nourish your body but also feed the soul. When she isn’t chasing around after her toddler, Desiree is a sought-after speaker and blogger.

Chickpeas, like all beans, are a nearly perfect food: packed with detoxifying fibre, plant-based protein, calming minerals and energizing and slow-release carbohydrates. The synergy of nutrients in chickpeas helps keep you going (and glowing!) all day long.

• A key anti-inflammatory food, chickpeas help to control blood sugars and provide a boost from anti-inflammatory phytochemicals kaempferol and quercetin.

• Cleansing chickpeas help sweep the digestive tract with plenty of insoluble fibre but they also support detoxification pathways in the liver with a dose of the phytochemical chlorogenic acid.

• And finally, this beautiful bean keeps your cells energized and you, glowing! Manganese and copper, two trace minerals in chickpeas help support the function of mitochondria, your cell’s tiny energy factories.

Enjoy chickpeas and other beautifying beans daily – roast them for a snack, mash them for a dip or sandwich spread, stir into soups and sautés or enjoy them on salad!