Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are one of the most nutrient-rich foods that you can eat. Chickpeas are an excellent food choice for women of child-bearing age and people who have trouble getting restful sleep.  They’re also essential to red blood cell development and the prevention of certain birth defects, so an almost perfect food those who are pregnant.  Chickpeas are rich in a number of nutrients, most notably folate (folic acid), manganese, tryptophan, copper, iron, and of course, healthy protein.  Chickpeas also contain vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin and vitamin B6, phosphorous and zinc.  Be sure to used dry chickpeas, soaked and cooked at home.  Canning adds salt and reduces protein, fiber, iron and folate.  The sesame seeds (from tahini) help promote healthy cell growth, prevent anemia, and help maintain healthy muscle tone and skin.  They are high alkaline mineral content, thus easy for the body to digest.  Sesame seeds are very high in calcium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B15 and E, and methionine, as well as the minerals phosphorus, lecithin, magnesium, potassium and iron.  The lemon in this recipe helps purify the blood, aids in digestion by strongly supporting liver and bowel function, strengthens blood vessels, clears skin, and helps prevent cancer with 22 anti-cancer compounds.  Lemons are rich in the B-vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C and D, retinol, folate and folic acid.  Minerals found in lemon juice include calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium.  Garlic helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, protects against cell damage and aging, has been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity, aids in digestion and elimination of wastes from the body, purifies the bloodstream and remedies stomach inflammation.  It is one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and selenium.  Ground cumin stimulates the liver to secrete more bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats and the absorption of nutrients, and helps control diabetes (including reducing hypoglycemia).  It’s rich in iron, with just one tablespoon containing 20% of the daily recommended intake.  Cumin also contains magnesium.

The chickpea or chick pea is a legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It is also known as gram, or Bengal gram, garbanzo or garbanzo bean and sometimes known as Egyptian pea, ceci, cece or chana. Its seeds are high in protein. Chick peas are an excellent source of fiber. They are also very high in molybdenum, with a one cup serving providing a whopping 273% of the USRDA. They are high in manganese, folate, copper, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. They are very versatile and have been used in many kinds of traditional foods. They are a great food for satiety and blood sugar regulation and have shown cardiovascular benefits as well as digestive tract support.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Garlic is a powerful anti-fungal agent and has been used traditionally to ward off sickness and infection. Studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol production, reduces blood pressure, and is preventive against stomach cancer.

The lemon is a small evergreen tree native to Asia. The juice, pulp, and skin of the fruit are all used in cooking around the world. Though lemons have an acidic, tart taste – they are one of the strongest alkaline-forming foods. Lemon juice is a great way to help balance pH. Lemons are very high in Vitamin C and have a strong antioxidant and antibiotic effect.

The olive is a species of small tree in the family Oleaceae. Olives are naturally high in monounsaturated fat, which experts say should make up 50% of our daily fat content.

Tahini is a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva. Sesame is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. Tahini is a very nutrient dense and energy dense food. It is a good source of monounsaturated fats which have beneficial effects on heart health and cholesterol balance. Tahini is high in copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and vitamin B1. Tahini has incredible health benefits for many of the body’s systems and organs.

Sea salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride, derived from seawater. Salt provides sodium, which is absolutely essential for cell function and human life itself. The average American diet contains far too much salt, making this ingredient a good one to avoid if you are uncertain how much you are getting in your food. Over-intake of sodium is a cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Sea salt contains other crucial trace minerals and is a healthy food consumed in moderation.

Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. Cumin is a warming spice with a long history of traditional medicinal use. Cumin is high in Iron which is essential for energy and immune function. Cumin has also been shown to aid digestion and to have cancer-protective properties.