People who eat more plant-based protein tend to weigh less and have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes than people who eat a lot of meat, and some research shows a meatless diet reduces your risk of death from any cause, as previously mentioned. Here Darnell Fernandez, NaturalNews.com, reflects on hummus as a healthy snack when prepared properly:

“Hummus is a creamy Middle-Eastern dip or spread that has recently become incredibly popular, thanks to the rise of plant-based and gluten-free diets. While there is no single way of making this nutrient-dense food, hummus is traditionally made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with olive oil, spices, lemon juice, and tahini – a paste made from toasted sesame seeds.

Both chickpeas and sesame seeds are superfoods in their own right. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are rich in protein, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients help them provide certain health benefits, such as being able to reduce inflammation. On the other hand, the sesame seeds present in tahini are packed with essential amino acids and healthy fats which help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. These benefits contribute to hummus’ reputation as a clean and healthy food.

Benefits of chickpeas

While tahini and other ingredients play a part in making hummus as popular and healthy as it is, chickpeas are the true stars of the show. A review published in a recent issue of Nutrients found that those who consume chickpeas and hummus are shown to have a higher nutrient intake of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and magnesium compared to non-consumers. Hummus consumers were also found to have a lower total fat intake per day.

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2010 dataset, researchers from the U.S. linked the consumption of chickpeas and hummus to lower body mass indices (BMIs) and waist measurements. The data also showed that consumers were 53 percent less likely to be obese compared to non-consumers. Other studies also support this claim, with some concluding that the consumption of pulses – a type of legume that includes chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas – have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity.

Chickpeas, when made into hummus, can also help regulate blood sugar levels. After comparing the blood sugar level of those who consumed white bread with those who consumed hummus, the researchers found that the blood sugar level of those who ate hummus was four times lower.

Is hummus healthy?

The health benefits of hummus come down to how it’s made. A variety of hummus products exist in the market, each with their own unique ingredients which could potentially contribute to the nutrient intake or health benefits they provide. (Related: Hummus: Health benefits and tasty homemade recipe.)

The review published in Nutrients also used data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database to compare the nutritional profile of common dips and spreads. Researchers found that traditional hummus – made with olive oil, tahini, lemon, and garlic – contains a blend of health-promoting ingredients that allows consumers to maximize their nutrient-to-calorie ratio.”

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