Comprehensive review of chickpea (Cicer arietinum): Nutritional significance, health benefits, techno-functionalities, and food applications.

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are globally valued legume known for their affordability, nutritional significance, and health benefits. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium. This review comprehensively explores the chemical composition of chickpeas and their functional properties, focusing on macronutrients, micronutrients, phytochemicals, and antinutritional factors. It also delves into the potential health benefits of bioactive compounds and peptides derived from chickpeas, highlighting their roles in various physiological functions and applications. The exceptional technofunctional properties of chickpea proteins, including gel formation, texture enhancement, emulsification, and fat/water binding, make them ideal ingredients for diverse food products. Their versatility allows for use in various forms (isolates, concentrates, textured proteins), contributing to the development of a wide range of plant-based foods, nutritional supplements, and gluten-free options. While chickpeas contain some antinutrients like phytates, lectins, and enzyme inhibitors, effective processing methods can significantly reduce their potential negative effects. This review provides valuable insights, offering the novel contributions and an enhanced understanding it brings to the scientific community and food industry. By bridging compositional data with physiological implications, the review reinforces the pivotal role of chickpeas as a dietary component and enriches the existing scientific literature on this essential legume.