The go-to dip for the health conscious, Hummus is a Lebanese cuisine made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, squeeze and garlic. It is an incredibly popular Middle Eastern spread that comes with a slew of health benefits. Not only is Hummus delicious but also versatile and packed with several vitamins and minerals.
Healthy Ingredients
Packed with wholesome ingredients like sesame seeds, chickpeas and tahini, hummus is one such comfort food that will always keep your body feeling happy and healthy.
Chickpeas
When it comes to the nutritional content in hummus, the two stars of the show are chickpeas and tahini. Chickpeas are highly rich in fiber and protein. This helps us in pruning down your inflammation levels & keeping the diabetes and other chronic cardiovascular diseases at bay.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one cup of cooked chickpeas upholds around 15 grams of plant-based proteins and a whopping 12 grams of fiber. While sufficing your recommended dietary intake of fiber, it is highly favorable for stabilizing the blood sugar levels and managing your hunger pangs between meals.
Tahini
Tahini is a nutritious paste made from ground sesame seeds. An excellent source of polyunsaturated fats – aka the sesame seeds hummus and its health benefits “good” fats, tahini works on to fortify your heart and brain, while nurturing your skin and hair. Tahini just so happens to be a great source of both protein and fiber, that lets us keeping full and satisfied in between the meals.
In addition, sesame seeds one of the major ingredients of tahini are extremely rich in many different vitamins and minerals, ranging from B vitamins all the way down to zinc. Tahini with one scant tablespoon serving brings in 23 mg of calcium making it a rich vegan alternate to strengthen your bones and teeth.
Two major ingredients of Hummus – Tahini & chickpeas are densely loaded with nutrients that help keep our bodies functioning properly. You may decide on the remaining ingredients as per the taste and flavour you opt for.
Garlic
Garlic is a zesty seasoning ingredient in Hummus. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and anti-bacterial properties that immensely helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels and evolving your heart health. Taking garlic in its raw form is the best way to boost your immunity, lower bad cholesterol and fend off colds & other viruses.
Lemons
Lemon is a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Adding this citrus fruit to hummus brings a refreshing flavour along with health & nutrition benefits. The plant fibers found within lemons contribute to lower total cholesterol levels, improve digestion and shield your heart against diseases and strokes.
Why is it Healthy?
Rich in protein and iron, hummus satiates your snack cravings, regulates your blood sugar levels, boosting your energy making it one of the healthier alternatives to snack on.
Plant-based Protein
Every 100 grams of Hummus comes packed with about 7.9 grams of protein. Chickpeas, the plant-based protein makes it a fitting dietary addition to those following a vegan diet as well.
Helps in fighting Inflammation
Olive oil and sesame seeds used in preparing hummus help in fighting prolonged inflammation that can cause other health issues.
Promotes Good Bacteria
Hummus is a great source of fibre as well. Providing about 6 gm of dietary fibre with every 100gm serving, this sesame delight helps in digestion, and promotes healthy gut bacteria (bifidobacteria) strengthening your digestive system.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Since it has a low glycemic index, thanks to chickpeas, it is slowly digested and absorbed causing a regulated rise in blood sugar levels.
Reduces Heart Disease Risks
Due to healthy MUFAs from olive oil, hummus is also healthy for your heart health. Besides, studies prove that those consuming extra chickpeas had 4.6% lower LDL cholesterol – the bad cholesterol.
What can you have with Hummus?
The most popular pairing of Hummus is with pita bread, although it can be used as sandwich spreads, veggie dips, sauces for pastas and salads.
Hummus is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s full of health benefits and added nutrition. A perfect snack to fulfil your daily fiber & protein requirements, hummus also keep in check your blood sugar levels. You can relish this creamy sesame delight as a dip, spread, as part of the meal or as a snack platter. With a less calorie, low sugar content, hummus is anytime recommended to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
