Top 5 health benefits of hummus

Top 5 health benefits of hummus

By Nicola Shubrook – Registered nutritionist

Hummus is one of the most delicious veggie dips around, and tastes as good slathered into a pitta bread with falafel as it does served simply with crudités. But is it really good for you?

.

.

Stay up to date with

The benefits of hummus may include:

1. Chickpeas are a rich source of fibre
2. A low GI food, it may help to control blood sugar levels
3. May be good for the heart
4. May help with weight management
5. Rich in several anti-inflammatory ingredients

Nutritional benefits

A level tablespoon (30g) provides:

• 92 kcal/382 kJ
• 2g protein
• 8g fat
• 3.1g carbohydrate
• 1.5g fibre
• 19mg magnesium
• 0.57mg iron
• 13mcg folate

Top 5 health benefits of hummus

1. A useful source of fibre

support that the type of fibre in chickpeas has a positive effect on our gut health, promoting the numbers of beneficial bacteria which in turn helps enhance intestinal health.

2. May help control blood sugar levels

and may support blood sugar management.

3. May be good for the heart

suggest that diets rich in legumes like chickpeas, may help reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, whilst mono-unsaturated fats, especially olive oil may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you rely on shop-bought hummus always check the label because some brands replace olive oil with sunflower or rapeseed oil because it is a cheaper alternative.

4. May help weight management

.  This starch is more resistant to our digestive enzymes which means the more amylose in a food the less digestible the food is.

5. Rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients

is said to have an anti-inflammatory action which is on a par with ibuprofen.

Is hummus safe for everyone?

Hummus is safe for most people, however, if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients such as chickpeas (legumes), sesame seeds or garlic you should avoid eating it. It’s also worth being mindful that some shop-bought hummus may include unexpected extras, so always check labels before purchasing.

Overall, is hummus good for you?

Being rich in fibre, hummus will not only help fill you up but enhance your gut health too. The type of starch in chickpeas may help with weight management, and since chickpeas are a low-GI ingredient, hummus may also help to support blood sugar management, which may support the management of diabetes. Several ingredients in hummus – chickpeas, sesame seeds and olive oil – are also thought to have an anti-inflammatory action in the body.

Discover more…

The best healthy hummus recipes

More healthy hummus inspiration

This article was reviewed on 19 July 2021 by Kerry Torrens.

Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a postgraduate diploma in personalised nutrition & nutritional therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.

.

for more information.

Install our app today for ad-free recipes, meal plans, podcasts and more

Discover everyday cooking inspiration

Download our app

Follow this channel

Sign up to our newsletter

Visit our website

a