In the Middle East, we are known to have the best and largest variety of food especially in Lebanon! Tourists never return back to their homelands without taking with them as much food as they can to share the most delicious dishes with their relatives abroad. One very popular Middle Eastern dish is the healthy Hummus.
Hummus is a spread, dip, or paste made of chickpeas and tahini that is usually eaten with flat bread. Its texture and consistency is similar to peanut butter. Its popularity is rooted not only from its delicious taste but also from its great nutritional value.
Several ingredients are used in making hummus but the primary ingredients are chickpeas and tahini. Chickpeas, which are more popularly known as garbanzo beans, are high-protein legumes cultivated in the Middle East since thousands of years ago. Tahini, on the other hand, refers to sesame paste. It has a strong flavor, which is why most people only use this ingredient sparingly. Other ingredients of hummus include lemon juice, salt, fresh garlic, paprika, and olive oil. To make this dish, all the ingredients are simply ground down until they form a smooth paste. Seasonings are added to taste.
What makes Hummus a healthy dish?
1. Chickpeas: chickpeas are very healthy because they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats. They are also rich in protein. This makes hummus a favorite among vegetarians. Chickpeas are also known to be effective in preventing build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Apart from that, it can maintain correct blood sugar levels.
2. Tahini: Tahini, meanwhile, is full of fat and calories. However, the fact that it is used sparingly in most hummus recipes and that it mostly contains unsaturated fat means there is not much to worry about. Like chickpeas, tahini is also high in protein. Apart from that, it is a great source of calcium.
3. Olive oil: Despite the large quantities we consume, the quality of our Middle Eastern food is the healthiest among all the other kinds and this is because of our big use of olive oil that is used in Hummus. As most people know, olive oil is a healthy fat. It has high monounsaturated fat content but low in saturated fat. This oil can thus help regulate cholesterol and protect the heart from various diseases.
4. Garlic and Lemon Juice: Garlic and lemon juice are filled with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in the body. They also work to improve immune functions and fight of bacteria and viruses.
5. Hummus as a whole: It contains plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for improving intelligence and maintaining a healthy heart. On top of it all, this dish also has iron, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, folic acid, and amino acids. Tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are the amino acids found in hummus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood.
After discovering the abundant health benefits of Hummus, never forget to include it in your diet and on your tables especially on Sundays!
