Chickpeas are indeed very good for you, not least because two to three tablespoons equate to one portion of the daily recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables.

Chickpeas also contain phytoestrogens which are weak plant versions of real oestrogen. There's evidence that these may modulate the body's own production of the hormone in a way that could lower the risk of breast cancer, protect against osteoporosis and minimise hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

Broccoli's nutritional profile is impressive. It contains high levels of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and is a rich source of vitamin-C.

In fact, just a 100 gram serving of broccoli will provide you with more than 150% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which in large doses can potentially shorten the duration of the common cold.1

Broccoli is also rich in vitamin A, iron, vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, zinc, phosphorus and phyto-nutrients.

Phytonutrients are compounds which lower the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, according to the USDA's Agricultural Research Service2.

Prevent osteoarthritis - a British study revealed that broccoli contains a compound called sulfophane which may help fight osteoarthritis3 - sulforaphane can block cartilage-destroying enzymes by intercepting a molecule that causes inflammation.

Protect your skin against the effects of UV light - broccoli may help prevent skin cancer, not by eating it though, but by applying it directly to the skin. An article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the damaging effects of UV (ultraviolet) radiation can be appreciably reduced with the topical application of a broccoli extract.4

Reverse diabetes heart damage - eating broccoli promotes the production of enzymes that help protect heart blood vessels5 and reduce the molecules that damage them.

Reduce cancer risk - eat broccoli just three times each month and you could potentially reduce the chance of developing bladder cancer6 by around 40 percent, according to experts at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, USA.

Broccoli plant compound detoxifies air pollutants in the body - research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD, suggests new benefits of eating broccoli.

helps maintain healthy testosterone levels

chickpeas along with soy are probably among the worst foods a male can eat.

they contain plant estrogen, good for females , very bad for males.

Oestrogen is vital for sex drive and avoiding obesity, say doctors

Men with too little oestrogen can develop 'male menopause' symptoms

These include weight gain, loss of libido and muscle weakening

These symptoms were previously often put down to falling testosterone levels