How a Spoonful of Hummus Can Lead to a Healthier You

Since their discovery over 5,000 years ago, chickpeas have become one of the earliest vegetables cultivated by humans. Chickpeas belong to the legumes family along with beans and are the primary ingredient in hummus, a spread that developed around the 13th century in the Middle East. More and more Americans are turning to hummus dips to supplement their diets and start down a path towards a healthier lifestyle.

Beans and Your Heart

Beans and legumes have long been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular systems. Studies suggest that eating legumes four or more times per week reduced the risk of chronic heart disease by 22% compared to those that ate legumes less than once per week. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease similarly saw an 11% decrease in those who at legumes regularly. Although many Americans struggle to fulfill this recommendation, just two spoonfuls of hummus spread per day is enough to meet this recommendation and increase cardiovascular health.

Weight Loss

There are a lot of dips in our life, but how many of them are really good for us? Dairy-based dips are high in fat and calories; hummus nutrition information shows the dip to be a healthier alternative that is lower in fat, calories, and carbohydrates. Studies suggest that the portion of the population who regularly eat hummus or chickpeas had a significantly higher Health Eating Index (HEI), a significantly lower Body Mass Index (BMI), and a smaller waist circumference on average than their non-hummus-loving counterparts.

Healthier Habits

Nine out of 10 Americans don’t eat enough vegetables — thankfully hummus too can help. There are a variety of hummus spread recipes available across the net that make full use of the dip in modern ways. These hummus spread recipes are perfect for parties and get-togethers, as they challenge what people think of when they picture hummus. Hummus is great as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, and even French fries — there are many fun and subtle ways that hummus can be incorporated into everyday cooking. Hummus could just be the most versatile and delicious ways to get all of your recommended vegetables!