Hummus is one of those savory treats that you may have any day in any form. Whether it is lunch, snack, or dinner, the idea of relishing hummus with chips, nachos, pita bread, or any other flatbread doesn’t disappoint. This middle-eastern recipe has become famous worldwide, not because it offers a delicious taste, but a plenty of health benefits too.
Here is everything to know about Hummus and should you consume it or not.
What is Hummus?
Hummus has been a culinary staple in many Middle Eastern nations for centuries. Its key ingredients include a blend of chickpeas, tahini or sesame seed paste, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and salt. Many chefs and cooking experts further provide their own extra touch to this recipe, thus making it all the more delectable to your taste buds. Talking about the best quality of hummus, it hails from using dried chickpeas. The canned version of chickpeas used for this recipe is a shortcut to prepare the dish.
Hummus is a nutrient-dense, delicious, versatile spread, dip, or condiment. It goes well with anything and everything.
Is Hummus Good for Me?
This dish is loaded with various essential nutrients, including protein and fiber. A 2016 study laid down that people who consume chickpeas or hummus get more fiber, vitamins, magnesium, antioxidants, unsaturated fats, potassium, and other nutrients.
All the ingredients used in the preparation of Hummus are good for human health. Another recent study of 2020 established that including hummus in your daily diet may promote healthy eating. This food item comprises various nutritious ingredients, especially when compared with other snack food. In short, it becomes easier to manage your weight and keep yourself healthy with hummus.
What are the Health Benefits of Hummus?
Listed below are the health benefits of hummus. We promise these will convince you to include this recipe in your daily diet.
Increased Protein Intake
If you are a regular gym-goer and want to fulfill your protein intake for the day, incorporating hummus into your daily diet is a great idea. It is the best vegetarian substitute for other non-veg protein products such as chicken, egg, and fish. Compared to other vegetarian and vegan products, hummus is high in protein.
The daily consumption of hummus will fulfill all the protein content that your body demands from time to time. Hummus is also considered helpful for pregnant and lactating mothers. It is a safe recipe for adults over 50 who want to increase their protein consumption.
Improved Blood Sugar Levels
This foot item is low in sugar. Eating fiber-rich foods like hummus may help you fuller for a long time and provides better control of blood sugar. When your blood sugar levels are regulated, it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Appetite Control
Hummus may help control your appetite. If you are trying to lose or maintain weight, consuming hummus will make it easier for you. According to researchers, the consumption of hummus correlated with a 20 percent reduction in snacking compared with individuals who had no snack. It also led to a 70 percent reduction in hunger levels.
A Great Mood Enhancer
Not many people may know this, but hummus is touted as a great mood enhancer. This product comprises a whopping twenty types of amino acids such as tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. All these amino acids contribute to the production of serotonin, thus improving your mood.
Hummus also comprises omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
No More Inflammation
When you experience excessive inflammation, it puts you at a higher risk of several chronic diseases. In this case, consumption of hummus may come to your rescue. This dish comprises many anti-inflammatory agents that reduce inflammation.
Olive oil comprises antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Chickpea and sesame seeds also contribute to a decrease in inflammation in the body.
Prevents Anemia
Anemia is the deficiency of iron, which also makes you weak and lethargic. The main ingredient of hummus, chickpeas, is high in iron and aids in the transport of oxygen to red blood cells throughout the body. Thus, including it in your daily diet will help you combat iron deficiency.
Strong Bones and Muscles
Hummus is high in protein, thus helping you develop strong bones and muscles. It is also high in several bone-building minerals like zinc, calcium, copper, selenium, and magnesium that promote stronger bones.
Improved Digestion
The ingredients of this dish provide your body with fibers that help your digestive system function more efficiently. Besides this, the composition of this food item also promotes the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut. Eating hummus keeps the problems like painful bowel movements and constipation at bay.
How Can I Eat Hummus?
Hummus makes an excellent dip. This versatile recipe can be used in any form. Thus, you can eat it in the way you like. You can use the hummus dip as a sandwich or pizza spread. You can also savor it as a fancy burger condiment.
If you do not like the taste of mayonnaise, you can prepare hummus and use it as a spread instead. Hummus also makes a great companion to salads of different kinds.
Can I Make My Own Hummus?
While the markets are swarmed with different varieties of hummus, it is always good to prepare one at home. You do not have to go out of the way in making it at home. Here is how to do it.
Ingredients required
- A cup of dry chickpeas
- One teaspoon of baking soda
- Three tablespoons tahini
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Half lemon
- One minced garlic clove
- Salt as per taste
Directions
Cover chickpeas with baking soda and soak them overnight in two inches of water. Drain them and place them in a saucepan with half a teaspoon of baking soda and enough water to cover them by two inches and boil them. Simmer until chickpeas become tender. Reserve some boiled water.
Place chickpeas and other ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding water. Voila, homemade hummus is ready to eat.
Now that you know the many benefits of eating hummus, it’s time to prepare your homemade recipe and eat it with your favorite bread.
Stay tuned for more on health.
