What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a spread, savory, or dip in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is prepared from chickpeas, tahini (a condiment used in middle eastern countries made of sesame), lemon juice, and garlic. The standard form includes chickpea, olive oil, parsley, and paprika. It has become popular in western nations where it is being produced. It is good for overall health and is a good option for weight loss.
What Are the Nutritional Facts About Hummus?
Hummus is packed with calories and healthy nutrients like fats, complex carbohydrates, and a minimal amount of sugar. As per USDA, one tablespoon (15 g) of hummus contains the following nutrients:
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Calories: 27.
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Fat: 1.3 g.
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Sodium: 36 mg.
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Carbohydrates: 3 g.
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Fiber: 0.6 g.
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Sugars: 0.04 g.
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Protein: 1.2 g.
What Are the Health Benefits Of Hummus?
Hummus is loaded with multiple health benefits, which are listed as:
1. Hummus Can Keep Bowel Movements Regular:
Due to its high fiber content, one of the gains of hummus is that it provides better gut health and can keep bowel movements and the digestive tract regular. It is a fruitful, tasty, and healthy way to incorporate more fiber into the diet. Fiber renders other health benefits also, like preventing heart disease.
2. Hummus Can Enhance Bone, Muscle, Skin, and Blood Health:
Hummus has a high protein content, an essential structural component of bone, muscle, skin, and blood health. It is particularly good for vegetarians as non-vegetarians can get protein from meat too. So, hummus is a good option for a rich protein source.
Both chickpeas and tahini are rich in calcium which contributes to good bone health. This is especially imperative for women of all ages, as their bones need calcium to prevent osteoporosis.
Chickpeas and tahini also carry increased amounts of iron that help transport oxygen through red blood cells. A deficiency of iron can cause iron-deficiency anemia, so consuming iron-rich food helps in relieving and preventing that deficiency.
3. Hummus Can Decrease Blood Cholesterol Levels:
Hummus is prepared from chickpeas which are also known as garbanzo beans. Usually, all types of beans contain nutrients that decrease blood cholesterol levels. However, if preventing heart disease is a major concern, it is better to cook it at home because the commercially manufactured brands tend to be sodium rich.
4. Hummus Can Assist in Preventing Cancer:
Another important health benefit of beans is their cancer-preventing characteristics. Beans hold compounds like saponins, protease inhibitors, and phytic acid that have been claimed to have anticarcinogenic effects and protect cells against the damage that can lead to cancer.
5. Hummus Can Help in Shedding Weight:
Traditionally, hummus is prepared with sesame seed butter (known as ‘tahini’), which contains a considerable quantity of monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats have particular health benefits, and one among them is their property to aid in promoting weight loss and decreasing belly fat. This is why monounsaturated fat is a renowned replacement for trans fats and polyunsaturated fats, which lead to weight gain and belly fat deposition.
6. Hummus Serves As a Healthy Substitute for Unhealthy Foods:
Hummus is loaded with great health gains. It can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise which comprises eggs and fat. It can also be utilized as a salad dressing by mixing it with broth or water until it attains the desired consistency. It can be consumed as a dip instead of ranch dressing.
If you have yet to try hummus, you should look for all the options you can have. In addition, to the hummus base, fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, etc., can be added to alter its taste and to fit in the food item. It means that there is no excuse for not having it.
7. Hummus Can Aid in Balancing Blood Sugar Levels:
The nutrients in hummus can help control blood sugar levels. So, it can be eaten for this purpose. It is possible because of its high protein content, which provides the feeling of fullness for a longer time. This also fights food cravings.
8. Hummus Is High In Antioxidants:
The primary constituent of hummus is chickpea, which has many antioxidants which help reduce the oxidative damage done to our bodies. Though there is nothing specific that it acts on, it just contributes to overall good health.
9. Hummus Is a Great Choice For Allergies:
Hummus is free of gluten, nuts, and dairy ingredients. So, for those with allergies to these foods, hummus is a superb option that can be eaten freely. In addition, as it can be added and incorporated into many different recipes, it can be used to replace several food items that one may be allergic to, thus reducing the chances of allergic reactions.
10. Hummus May Inspire One to Have Healthier Food Items:
Hummus is a part of the Mediterranean diet, one of the best diets to adopt. It incorporates smaller segments of meat, more vegetables, great hummus, marine food, and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and nuts. If someone is already consuming hummus, it may inspire him to change and adapt to this healthier diet.
Conclusion:
Hummus is packed with bountiful nutrients and is a must for everyone, irrespective of allergies, dietary patterns, or health issues. It is loaded with immense energy and taste too. Do not delay trying it and making it a daily diet.
