You may have read the title of this article and gone “what is hummus?” Whether you’ve eaten it or not, hummus is one of those foods that everyone should learn about. Hummus is made from chickpeas and tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), and it can also contain other additives for more flavor. These are usually vegetables, such as spinach, artichokes, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs, such as roasted garlic or spices; however, there are many other different types of hummus for sale that use all kinds of great ingredients.
What many people don’t realize about hummus is that it can be a fairly nutritious dish. Here are three surprising things you should know abut hummus nutrition information:
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1. Hummus is heart-healthy. Eating hummus and other types of legumes four or more times per week is associated with better heart health. These types of foods help lower the chance of developing chronic heart disease by 22%, and those who eat hummus and other legumes have an 11% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is because hummus isn’t a fatty food like red meat.
2. Hummus may help shrink your waistline. Those who eat hummus four or more times per week score higher on the Healthy Eating Index and tend to have lower body mass index. This is because hummus is low in fat and tends to have zero cholesterol. This food goes well as a main ingredient in sandwiches and wraps, and it’s a perfect complement to healthy foods like salad, too.
3. Hummus is gluten free and vegetarian. Hummus contains no wheat or grains, so it does not have any gluten. It is also vegetarian and vegan, meaning that there are no animal products, such as meat, dairy, or eggs in it. Because hummus is low in carbohydrates, it is also appropriate for those who are diabetic or just watching their weight.
In short, hummus nutrition facts go to show that this food is appropriate for people with all lifestyles, diets, and health. Have more questions about how to eat hummus or where to buy it? Leave a comment in the space below.