Mediterranean Pomegranate & Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Pomegranate & Chickpea Salad

This salad is the ultimate food as medicine salad! Chickpeas are high in protein so will keep you full and help maintain healthy glucose, insulin and lipid levels while warding off hunger and sweet cravings. Pomegranates are packed with health benefits and are considered a superfood due to their rich nutrient profile. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This can help protect cells from damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases. The antioxidants in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for preventing and managing inflammatory conditions like arthritis. They are also awesome food for our gut bacteria, can help improve heart health, are high in vitamin C and might even improve memory and cognition! Baby spinach is high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements. For some people, this can help prevent constipation, a common cause of bloating. The fiber in spinach acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, which can contribute to a balanced gut microbiome and reduce bloating over time. Walnuts are full of omegas which are essential for brain health and are anti-inflammatory.

Serves 2

 Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Seeds of ½ a pomegranate
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup walnuts

Method

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. 

Nutritional value Per serve

• 509 Kcal
• 13g Protein
• 41g Fat
• 28g Carbs
• 9g Fibre