Chana: what it contains and why it matters
Chana is chickpeas (Bengal gram). This page lists its nutritional content from published sources and explains which lab parameters it relates to.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Nutritional content of chana
Per 100 g edible portion, from published composition data.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EnergyRaw, mature seeds | 378 kcal | USDA |
| ProteinCrude protein | 20.47 g | USDA |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.04 g | USDA |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 62.95 g | USDA |
| Fiber, total dietary | 12.2 g | USDA |
| Iron | 6.24 mg | USDA |
| Folate, total | 557 µg | USDA |
| Magnesium | 115 mg | USDA |
| Potassium | 875 mg | USDA |
| Zinc | 3.43 mg | USDA |
Which lab parameters does chana relate to?
Iron
Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body [WHO].
Understand your Haemoglobin result →See all iron-rich foods →
Folate
Folate is needed to make and repair DNA and to form red blood cells [WHO].
Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and helps build bone [WHO].
Understand your Magnesium result →See all magnesium-rich foods →
Protein
Dietary protein provides the amino acids the body uses to build and repair tissue [WHO].
Vegetarian and dietary notes
Chana is a plant-derived pulse suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and is naturally gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the protein content of chana?
Raw mature chana contains 20.47 g of protein per 100 g [USDA]. Proteins supply amino acids required for tissue maintenance, enzymatic reactions, and cellular structure.
How much dietary fiber is present in chana?
Raw chana provides 12.2 g of total dietary fiber per 100 g [USDA]. Dietary fiber contributes to intestinal transit time and serves as a substrate for gut bacterial fermentation.
What is the folate content of chana and what is its role?
Chana contains 557 µg of folate per 100 g [USDA]. Folate is an essential B-vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and red blood cells.
How much iron does chana provide?
Raw chana contains 6.24 mg of non-heme iron per 100 g [USDA]. Iron is a structural component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which facilitate the transport and storage of oxygen in tissues.
What quantity of magnesium is found in chana?
Raw chana contains 115 mg of magnesium per 100 g [USDA]. Magnesium acts as a physiological cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic systems, including ATP production and protein synthesis.
Sources
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central, Agricultural Research Service. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- WHO — World Health Organization — nutrition fact sheets. https://www.who.int/