The affordable food worth adding to your diet: A rich source of fiber and protein that may help lower cholesterol

Chickpeas are inexpensive, filling and easy to add to everyday meals, nutritionist Lucy Kershaw says.

The legume provides protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be added to salads, soups and stews, or roasted and served as a crunchy side dish. Its protein content also makes it popular in vegetarian and vegan diets.

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Some types of red and processed meat, including sausages, bacon and ham, can contain large amounts of saturated fat, which in excessive amounts can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.

Kershaw says chickpeas can replace some red or processed meat, including sausages, bacon and ham. Those foods can contain high amounts of saturated fat, which may contribute to higher cholesterol when eaten in excess. Canned chickpeas and other legumes are practical and inexpensive, while dried versions can be bought in larger packages.

The fiber in chickpeas supports digestion and may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of legumes has also been linked with more favorable LDL cholesterol levels, according to the article.

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Replacing some of these foods with plant-based protein sources such as chickpeas, beans and lentils is a simple way to reduce saturated-fat intake.