If you had asked me about the benefits of hummus five years ago, I would have had no idea what it was or what to do with it. The year I was going to turn 45, I made a conscious decision that I HAD to learn to eat better, one of the first things I had to do was find healthy snack options. When I started studying up on food to learn more about clean eating, hummus popped up on one of the food lists as a healthy fat and once I found out it’s a dip, I was all in.
What is hummus?
Hummus is a super popular Middle Eastern dip with veggies or pita triangles and also makes a super spread. A nice thin layer on a wrap is a wonderful replacement for mayonnaise. Serve hummus with veggies like celery, cucumber spears, carrot sticks, and red pepper slices. You’ll double up on your nutrition with the healthy fat hummus and then even more nutrition without adding as many calories as a bread, chip, or cracker.
Hummus is made by blending chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor. I have made my own hummus a few times, and it is also a staple on my weekly shopping list.
Hummus comes in a variety of flavors, it’s a very versatile snack, it’s packed with nutrients and has been linked to possible health and nutritional benefits –> and now it comes in dessert flavors!
Make Your Own Hummus
Hummus is nutritious, versatile and very easy to make. Gather the ingredients and add to a food processor. Blend until smooth. The entire process takes under 10 minutes and only requires a food processor.
5 Benefits of Hummus
Super Nutritious and Packed With Plant-Based Protein
You can feel good about eating hummus, as it contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. A 2 Tbsp serving size of hummus has 50-70 calories and 2-5 grams of plant based protein.
Hummus is an excellent snack and spread choice for those ladies that are following a vegetarian or vegan diet. It’s important to consume enough protein for optimal growth, recovery and immune function.
Hummus Is Low On The Glycemic Index
Hummus is made mostly from chickpeas, which have a low glycemic index (GI). Less than most fruits even! The glycemic index is a scale that measures the ability of foods to raise blood sugar. Hummus is also a great source of soluble fiber and healthy fats.
Foods with a high glycemic index value (white bread, sugary snacks) are quickly digested and then absorbed, which causes a spike and fall in blood sugar levels. Foods with a low GI value (carrots, chickpeas, lentils) are more slowly digested and then absorbed, causing a slower and more even rise and fall in blood sugar levels.
Hummus Can Help Promote Weight Loss
Several studies have examined how hummus affects weight loss and maintenance. It is great that hummus is so tasty AND hummus has several properties that can help promote weight loss.
Hummus is a great source of dietary fiber, and when we eat healthy, fiber filled foods we feel fuller and satisfied for a longer time. Dietary fiber has also been shown to reduce levels of the hunger hormone.
Eating more fiber can curb your appetite and can help reduce your calorie intake, which promotes weight loss. Plus, hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and a higher protein intake can help curb appetite and boost your metabolism.
Hummus is Naturally Gluten, Nut and Dairy-Free
So many different food allergies and intolerances affect millions of people worldwide.
For people who suffer with food allergies and intolerances it can be a real struggle to find foods that agree with them and don’t cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Luckily, hummus is naturally gluten, nut and dairy-free and can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. Always read the labels – some brands may add preservatives or other ingredients. Check with a nutritionist or your doctor if you’re unsure! If you’re allergic to sesame seeds, you may want to think twice since tahini is made with sesame seeds.
Hummus is Easy to Add to Your Diet
Hummus is nutritious and tasty, and so easy to add to your diet. Spread it on a wrap, pita pocket or sandwich instead of a high-calorie spread, like mayonnaise or a creamy dressing.
Hummus also makes a great dip. Pair hummus with crunchy foods like celery, carrots, cucumbers and sweet peppers. The crunchy veggies may even help satisfy cravings for the crunch of a potato chip.
