Hummus is this thick and creamy spread that is made from chickpeas that are mashed as well as other ingredients that is fast becoming a favorite in many countries. It is a popular meal in North African as well as Middle Eastern countries but it is now gaining traction in Europe and in North America as well. Hummus may be considered as an ancient food and has been consumed by historical figures especially in the Middle East.
Hummus was first served in Egypt in 13th century. Today, the recipe that is frequently being used has removed the use of tahini and replaced it other types of nuts instead. This particular food is still being served in many Middle Eastern countries and has been proven to deliver a wealth of health benefits that you should be having too. Sounds good? Here are four health benefits that are associated with hummus.
Reduce inflammation
When there are toxic compounds in the body, the body tends to become inflamed. Unfortunately, when inflammation is way too high, it can lead to other health issues such as arthritis. Fighting inflammation can start with the food that you eat and hummus appears to be effective in reducing inflammation easily. This is because hummus contains olive oil, garlic, and even chickpeas, which are all known for their abilities to lower inflammation when consumed.
It’s included in Mediterranean Diet
You’ve probably heard of the Mediterranean Diet being one of the healthiest diets of all time. This is not surprising as this diet focuses more on eating whole foods like vegetables, fruits, seafood, and red wine which are all known for their nutritional content. Hummus is also part of this diet which makes this a good option to consider if you want to stay healthy. You see, following the Mediterranean Diet can reduce your risk from strokes, heart attacks, and other heart problems because this diet can help lower your bad cholesterol levels.
Improves bone health
What other health benefit is linked to hummus? Well, it appears that the sesame seeds that were used in creating tahini is one of the best sources of vital minerals such as zinc, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, magnesium, and iron just to name a few. These minerals play a vital role in your bone health which means that having hummus is one of the best ways for you to keep your bones strong. Copper in tahini keeps your skeletal structure healthy and strong by binding collagen to the elastin which are needed by the bones. Calcium prevents bone loss too.
Increases energy levels
The ingredients used in making hummus, such as beans and legumes, are known for their starchy content which is a good source of complex carbohydrates. This is much better compared to regular carbs as they are slowly released into your blood stream thus keeping your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.
