The health benefits of hummus have been known for ages. Its nutritional value is related to the ingredients present in it. Originally, hummus belongs to the Middle Eastern cuisine, and is a healthy dip or paste. hummus health benefits There are a number of ways to prepare hummus, but its primary ingredients remain the same. The usual ingredients used to make hummus are tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. If you add this to your daily diet, you will get the benefit of more than 1 food at a time. Here you can find the nutritional benefits you will get from each of the ingredients.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as Garbanzo beans are the main ingredient of hummus. They belong to the family of legumes which are well known for their nutritional value. benefits of hummus They are rich in molybdenum, which is a mineral that is essential for the detoxification of a common preservative named sulphite. The fiber present in chickpeas maintains a healthy digestive system, lowers cholesterol, and maintains blood glucose level. They are also high in protein and low in fat. Other nutrients present in chickpeas include manganese, folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper.
The health benefits of tahini or sesame paste also accounts to the overall nutritional value of hummus. Methionine, an amino acid present in tahini is essential for the detoxification of liver. It also helps in the proper absorption of other amino acids. About 20% of tahini is protein making it a good food for people who need high protein in their diet. Another nutrient present in it is lecithin which is capable of protecting your body from the harmful effects of toxins. Lecithin is also essential to decrease the level of cholesterol in blood.
When the sesame seeds are crushed, oil is released. However, this oil contains only unsaturated fat and is very healthy. Tahini is also rich in vitamin A, folic acid, choline, and biotin. The minerals present in tahini include iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. In fact, it is also a good source of calcium just like cow’s milk.
Olive Oil
Whichever variety of olive oil you use, you will not be able to find a difference in the nutritional value. It reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is achieved by the decreasing the amount of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your body. If you have a cardiac problem, consumption of olive oil will reduce the recurrence of the symptoms. They are also rich in certain chemical compounds known as phenolics, which are responsible for the prevention of skin, colon, lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. In addition to that, it can also be used to regulate your blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and even promotes your immune system. They are also effective in treating obesity by helping in the breakdown of fat cells.
Garlic and Lemon Juice
Both garlic and lemon juice are rich in antioxidants, and reduces the amount of free radicals in your body. They are also essential to improve immunity of your body against viruses and bacteria. Garlic is also packed with many nutrients which are essential for maintaining a healthy body. In short, the health benefits of hummus vary depending on the ingredients used in it.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
