Hummus is one of the healthiest foods in the world because it is rich in good unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. How is hummus made? There are several ways to make hummus, but it basically contains chickpeas, sesame seeds or sesame paste, or tahini. You can also add garlic, lemon and olive oil.
Hummus originated in the Middle East, where it has been popular for centuries. It is full of good fats, which is one of the reasons why it is considered very healthy, but it also has the advantage of being a plant-based protein that is very high in fibre.
Hummus is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is a rich source of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins. Chickpeas, olive oil and sesame seeds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Sesame seeds specifically reduce blood levels of CRP markers, or inflammation.
It is a great source of fibre to prevent constipation, and the fibre in chickpeas promotes the proliferation of good gut bacteria. It only has a low glycaemic index, which means it releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream, so it doesn’t drastically raise blood sugar levels.
Hummus also contains two ingredients that reduce the risk of heart disease – chickpeas and olive oil. Chickpeas, for example, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by around 5 percent, while regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the risk of death by 12 percent.
Hummus is high in fibre and protein, which can also help you lose weight. Research shows that people who regularly eat hummus and chickpeas are less likely to be obese and have lower waist circumferences and BMI.
This delicious food is very good for people with allergies and food intolerances as it is free from gluten, dairy and nuts. However, those who are allergic to sesame seeds would do well to avoid it.
