Health Benefits of Houmus

Houmus is very popular and widely eaten dish. From North America to Asia, Houmus is served with a wide array of dishes and specialties. In addition to being a popular food, it also has several health benefits. Its popularity is rooted not only from its delicious taste but also from its great nutritional value.

Several ingredients are used in making Houmus 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. Other ingredients of Houmus include lemon juice, salt, garlic and olive oil. To make this dish, all the ingredients are simply ground down until they form a smooth paste. The perfectly balanced combination of these ingredients gives Houmus the precious nutritional benefits it is famous for.

1. Health Benefits of Chickpeas

 Chickpeas are very healthy mainly because they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats. They are also rich in protein. This makes Houmus 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. Nutritional Value of Tahini

Although tahini is full of fat and calories, the fact that it is used sparingly in most Houmus 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. Healthy Ingredients in Olive Oil

Another healthy ingredient found in Houmus is olive oil. 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. Health Benefits of Garlic and Lemon Juice

Garlic and lemon juice, meanwhile, 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. Other Health Benefits of Houmus

Houmus as a whole 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 Houmus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood. These amino acids also reduce the desire of overeating and therefore make houmus very suitable for dieting.

Humus is loaded with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Include this in your diet by using it as spread on sandwiches and wraps, as dressing to your salad or pasta, as dip for raw vegetables, or as side dish for main courses.