There are many people out there who believe it is not exactly a health-friendly dish or that it leads to weight gain. But, here Kirti Jham, Chef, K’z Mezze is stating facts and breaking those myths.
To answer your question, if hummus is really healthy for you? We’d say YES in big bold letters. Hummus, a staple in the Middle Eastern is today a popular party dish all over the world. It gets its taste and also the many benefits from this simple but irresistible blend of ingredients. Chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, and there you have some authentic and healthy hummus!
Well, although healthy, hummus can be made unhealthy by the choice of its added flavours and most importantly, its accompaniments. Hummus eaten with vegetables is naturally healthier than one eaten with bread and fried food. Having said that, let’s learn as to how exactly is authentic hummus healthy for you!
1.) It is highly nutritious
One major reason to eat hummus is its power-packed proportions of nutrients. It not only comes with Iron, Vitamin B, phosphorus, and folate but is also gluten-free and dairy-free. But, how exactly does this help you? These nutrients in this Lebanese dip help prevent anaemia, reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases, and increase your energy levels. Now, isn’t that exactly what we need today?
2.) It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Why do you need food that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties? For one, anti-inflammatory food helps prevent inflammation in the body and those rich in antioxidants help detoxify the body. The olive oil used in hummus as an essential ingredient comes rich in both these properties, helping with great heart health. Tahini, another important part of hummus, also comes with anti-inflammatory properties that help with arthritis. Moreover, chickpeas help reduce blood markers of inflammation, promising better health in general.
3.) It helps prevent overeating and aids in weight loss
There are many foods that leave you feeling full and satisfied that helps prevent overeating unnecessarily later on. Well, hummus is one of them. Rich in fibre and protein, it leads to a sigh of satisfaction at the end of the meal. It also increases the levels of cholecystokinin that leads to you feeling full. It also helps regulate your weight by reducing ghrelin levels in your body that are responsible for making you feel hungry. Moreover, the chickpeas help break down carbohydrates, in turn, slowing down their absorption in the gut. This leads to slower absorption of sugar in your bloodstream. It sounds like a win-win to us!
You see? Hummus is not just all about its taste and versatility! Steeped in so many benefits, it also comes rich in fibre, leading to better digestion and intestinal health. So, the next time you devour this scrumptious dip, remember that you’re also inviting in the best of health.
