There are two health concerns to know about canned chickpeas.
Saponins have some risks. Saponins are natural chemical compounds found in all legumes. They make the foam in the liquid from canned chickpeas, called aquafaba. That foam is why you can find them in natural cleaning products, such as liquid soap or toothpaste.
Saponins have some health benefits. They have anti-cancer properties. Studies also link them to possible positive effects on obesity and diabetes.
But they may have some risks, too. Plants with saponins can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in some animals. Studies say that they can cause reproductive issues in female mice, including damaged ovaries. And they're toxic to fish and cold-blooded animals, such as snails.
Saponins are not toxic to humans, but some people say we need more studies to confirm this.
Canned foods may contain BPA.Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical found in the coating on the inside of food cans. Studies have shown that it can leak into your food.
The FDA says it's safe at the low levels found in canned foods. But research has shown that BPA can harm your health. Studies have linked it to:
Male and female infertility
Brain development problems in fetuses, babies, and children
Behavior issues in children
Breast and prostate cancer
Metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome
High blood pressure
To stay away from BPA, look for canned chickpeas that say "BPA-free" on the label. Also, drain and rinse canned chickpeas under running water before you eat them to wash off any residue.