Hummus is a favourite with many people, although it is a very divisive food. If you don’t like it, try to get to know it, as its nutritional benefits are outstanding. Hummus is made in many different ways. The most common recipe is made with chickpeas and sesame paste. Many people add lemon juice, olive oil and garlic to the paste. It has a very interesting taste, is very tasty and incredibly nutritious.
Hummus contains high amounts of healthy fats, fibre and vegetable proteins, which are very good for your health, both on their own and together. Hummus is high in vitamins and minerals. It has higher levels of folate, iron and magnesium.
Hummus is rich in fibre. These are natural fibres and are therefore very beneficial for the digestive and intestinal tract, as they can ensure good intestinal function. Fibres increase the proliferation of good intestinal bacteria and thus enhance the balance of the intestinal flora.
Chickpeas belong to the legume family and as such are rich in fibre, protein and starch. These components allow digestion to be slowed down. It also has the important feature of having a low glycaemic index, which means that it does not raise blood sugar levels, and therefore has a major role not only in controlling blood sugar levels but also in preventing type 2 diabetes.
So to make hummus we also use sesame paste and olive oil, which are also very good for heart health. This effect is provided by the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil. Chickpeas also play a major role in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, thus contributing to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Eating chickpeas regularly can help you lose weight, i.e. your BMI will be lower if you eat them regularly. As it also reduces waist size, it minimises the development of metabolic syndrome, which is an active contributor to heart attacks and strokes.
Both chickpeas, olive oil and sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. This property also reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
