Questions we often hear are, “Is hummus healthy?” and “is hummus good for you?” It’s important to ask these questions about our food: We’ve all heard the term, “you are what you eat.” Thankfully, hummus withstands the test. It is healthy for you!
Of course, it depends on how it’s made - and who makes it - but our hummus is plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and minimally processed.
It is full of fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The high vitamin and mineral content offers immunity-boosting benefits that are important in vegan and vegetarian diets. This incredible dip contains chickpeas, which have been shown to help protect against heart disease, as well as garlic, which are both known to reduce inflammation in the body.
Is Hummus Healthy? Why, yes!
Let’s dig deeper into what makes hummus healthy!
It is Heart Healthy
The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas – they really are a little powerhouse of nutrition. When incorporated into your daily diet, chickpeas can lower your LDL (bad) and total cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol are low-density lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to other cells in your body. They can build up in the walls of your arteries, causing blockages and a greater risk for heart attack. Chickpeas are high in folate and magnesium, which help to strengthen your blood vessels and prevent blood clots.
Extra virgin olive oil, one of the main ingredients, also helps maintain cardiovascular health. It is loaded with antioxidants and monounsaturated (good) fats, which have been found to lower your total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Extra virgin olive oil and chickpeas help make hummus healthy and a great choice for heart health!
It Can Reduce Inflammation
Hummus contains chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic, all known to help decrease inflammation in the body. Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting and detoxifying itself. When you experience high inflammation, it means that your body is trying to heal from food or environmental toxins. Over time, high levels of inflammation can damage your joints and lead to arthritis.
Lowering inflammation will help you feel better overall, and will help your immune system protect you from illness and keep you healthy.
It Can Boost Your Energy
Beans and legumes naturally contain starch, a complex carbohydrate that your body can readily use for energy, without increasing your blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates take a longer time to break down in the body, providing a longer-lasting source of energy. Since it won’t spike your blood sugar, you won’t experience the “crash” that usually comes after snacking on processed foods. Fueling your body with nutritious foods will give you the energy you need to get through your busy days without needing that extra cup of coffee (ok, you should still have the coffee anyway because it’s delicious).
Fueling your body with nutritious foods will give you the energy you need for your life.
Is Hummus Good for Diabetics?
Healthy Hummus Recipes
Bake it
Hummus is a healthy alternative to eggs in your baking recipes. It acts as a binder, just like the eggs do, without adding unwanted cholesterol. It’s a great alternative if you are vegan, or allergic to eggs as well.
Spread it
Use our dip instead of mayo or cheese on your sandwich! It will add extra protein and a nutrient boost to your lunch. It’s also extremely tasty. You’ll have everyone at work or school begging you to start packing lunch for them as well.
Mix it
Hummus acts as a great replacement for salad dressing! Traditional dressings usually contain additives and dairy, adding empty calories to what was a healthy meal. It’s also great to mix into (or use all alone) as a sauce for pasta. It adds flavor and depth and gives any recipe a wow factor.
Healthy Hummus Dipping Ideas
Of course, the most traditional way to eat hummus is to dip it. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy:
Veggie Platter
Using gluten-free pasta opens up a lot of recipes, including cold pasta salad, or meat and tomato-sauces with dairy-free cheese on top. Use some of our hummus or savory cashew and almond dips in a recipe, like this Creamy Hummus Pasta, or our Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Pasta.
Falafel Bowl
Using gluten-free pasta opens up a lot of recipes, including cold pasta salad, or meat and tomato-sauces with dairy-free cheese on top. Use some of our hummus or savory cashew and almond dips in a recipe, like this Creamy Hummus Pasta, or our Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Pasta.
Charcuterie Board
This dip is a healthy alternative to cheese or meat for a charcuterie board! Pair with gluten-free crackers, grapes, olives, fermented veggies, and nuts for the ultimate party platter.
Healthy Hummus Brands
Is hummus healthy for you? As we mentioned above, not all brands are created equal! Hummus health varies from brand to brand. Here at Hope, we prioritize your health, making sure we use only the highest-quality, organic ingredients to provide you with the best-tasting, most nutrient-dense dip on the market. Each one of our ingredients is there for a purpose and is added because of its nutritional benefits and the addition of flavor. We are the Original Organic Hummus. The reason it’s important to choose organic when it comes to hummus is that the herbicide glyphosate is used in large quantities on non-organic chickpeas. With the main ingredient of hummus being chickpeas, you get a large dose of herbicide with your “healthy” dip. Be sure you find healthy hummus brands like Hope when you start adding it into your diet and life!
Try Our Hummus!
We are dedicated to health: To making wholesome food out of real ingredients. You should be able to recognize every single ingredient on the labels of your food, and with our hummus and nut dips, you can. We are also certified organic, non-GMO! Pick up a tub of our many flavors of hummus in a store near you, or order online and have it shipped to your door. Yum!
