Hummus is packed with healthy ingredients that may help combat chronic inflammation. Olive oil is one of them. It's rich in powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hummus is rich in fiber
Fiber isn't just important for regular bowel movements, it's also the main source of food for our gut bacteria.
Too much hummus can cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea and bloating, in some people. Hummus is a nutrient-dense food that, when consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy eating pattern, can help manage weight.
Lebanese hummus is the definition of an immune system powerhouse. Raw garlic has been shown to potentially decrease the amount of time you get a cold and it has potential anti-viral qualities. Both tahini and chickpeas are loaded with zinc and magnesium and lemon juice is high in vitamin C.
Hummus contains fibre-rich chickpeas as well as olive oil and sesame seeds which are a source of heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats.
An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthful fats, and spices. It discourages or limits the consumption of processed foods, red meats, and alcohol. The anti-inflammatory diet is not a specific regimen but rather a style of eating.
It reduces inflammation.
According to Warren, the sesame seeds often used in hummus have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body by reducing IL-6 and CRP, vascular inflammation markers, which can be high in inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
Hummus, with its chickpea base, wins with certain nutrients, like protein, zinc, and iron, while guacamole helps avocado fans slim down with fewer calories and carbs, heart-healthy fats, and potassium.
The only problem with hummus is the calories! Olive oil is calorie rich, instantly making this a dish where portion size matters! The addition of other ingredients to create different types of flavored hummus can sometimes increase calorie levels further still.
It's not a superfood, but a two-tablespoon serving or even a quarter cup won't wreck your diet or your insides.
Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein, providing 7.9 grams per serving. This makes it an excellent option for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Consuming enough protein is essential for optimal growth, recovery and immune function.
Bean dips like hummus, which is made of gas-causing garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas), can bloat you up — and the same goes for lentils, black beans, and peas, Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says.
In one study published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients, researchers found many health benefits of eating hummus. Incorporating hummus into your diet lowers cholesterol, lipid, and blood pressure, which help prevent chronic diseases.
Fortunately for us all, most hummus contains little to no sugar. Whew! In fact, hummus is often recommended for low- or no-sugar diets—since aside from skimping on sweeteners, it packs a heavy dose of vitamins and minerals, protein, complex carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, and fiber.
You'll get more protein and fiber for half the calories you would from mayonnaise. Hummus adds 1 gram of fat to your lunch box, compared to 5 grams for regular mayo.
Hummus and Carrots
Traditional hummus is made from chickpeas and sesame oil, so it contains plant protein as well as healthy fat and fiber. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and potassium, so the pairing makes a balanced and nutritious snack.
Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant with impressive anti-inflammatory properties ( 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ).
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as cod, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.
Orange, tomato, pineapple and carrot juices are all high in the antioxidant, vitamin C, which can neutralize free radicals that lead to inflammation. Tart cherry juice has been shown to protect against gout flares and reduce OA symptoms.