Hummus is a healthy dip, right? It’s just mashed chickpeas and sesame seeds, so how bad could it be?
Tahini, the key ingredient in hummus, is rich in monounsaturated fats and essential minerals like copper. Hummus itself is low in calories and contains no saturated fat. However, many people think that serving hummus with pita chips makes it unhealthy because of all the carbs. This is not true. Hummus can fit into any diet as long as you use it as a dip for vegetables or chicken rather than eating it with chips.
Health Benefits Claimed with Hummus
- Decreases inflammation: Hummus is high in omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants such as quercetin that help fight inflammation. This can help prevent heart disease and cancer.
- Reduces risk of heart disease: The fiber in hummus helps lower cholesterol, and the beans provide iron for healthy blood.
- Lowers blood pressure: Another benefit of the fiber content in hummus is that it reduces blood pressure.
Which kind of hummus is better?
The main point to consider when choosing between the different brands of hummus is the fat content. It’s easy to find low-fat or fat-free varieties at your local grocery store or health food store. If you’re in a hurry, look for the ones that contain olive oil rather than vegetable oil; they’re usually creamier and more flavorful. Some people like to make their own hummus at home because they’re able to control what goes into it. Make sure you add just a little bit of olive oil because hummus should not be very oily.
The traditional version of hummus has not changed much, but there have been all kinds of adaptations in recent years. The most common variations on hummus include roasted red pepper, black bean and edamame versions. Some people even make versions of hummus with white beans or black lentils. While there are lots of new recipes for this dish, it can still be hard to find healthier recipes for hummus. It is possible to get the health benefits of chickpeas without all of the calories if you make your own hummus at home.
