Hummus is generally better for you than butter as a spread because it's lower in saturated fat and calories, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats from chickpeas, olive oil, and tahini, supporting heart health and weight management, while butter is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels. Hummus boosts nutrient intake, whereas butter primarily adds fat and calories, making hummus a superior choice for overall health and as a heart-healthy replacement for less nutritious spreads.
Hummus is an easy swap for butter, margarines or mayonnaise in sandwiches. It is low in saturated fat and a great source of fibre and plant-based protein.
Hummus provides healthy fats, essential vitamins like folate and iron, and plenty of fibre. These elements combine to support digestion and satiety, which are both important for weight management.
One Tbsp of regular butter with salt can have as much as 11g of fat; 7g sat., 100 cal., 30mg of cholest., and 85mg of sodium. Clearly, toast isn't as innocent as you thought. On the other slice, 1 Tbsp. of hummus has only 1g of fat; 0 sat., 23 cal., 0 cholest., and 53 mg of sodium.
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There's a lot of conflicting information about saturated fats. Should I eat them or not? The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats to less than 6% of total calories. Saturated fats are found in butter, cheese, red meat, other animal-based foods and tropical oils.
If the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use ¾ cup vegetable oil. The function of using butters and oils in baking is to keep the dessert moist, which is essential in any recipe, so vegetable oil is a great substitute for butter in most vegan recipes.
You can't eat hummus after about 7 days because it's a perishable food that can grow mold and harmful bacteria like Listeria, leading to food poisoning, especially for vulnerable groups; while some might last longer, signs of spoilage like a sour smell, mold, or weird texture mean it's time to toss it. Proper refrigeration and airtight storage help, but once opened, exposure to air and utensils speeds up bacterial growth, shortening its shelf life from the original expiration date.
The Bottom Line
Hummus is a nutrient-dense, plant-based food that supports heart health and digestion and manages hunger control. While it's generally okay to eat daily, watch for added sodium or sugar and be mindful of portion sizes.
If you're looking to lose weight, finding tasty and satisfying snacks is important. Hummus is a fantastic option that can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients.
Even though it is low in fat, it contains calories.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, one cup of hummus (246 grams) contains approximately 408 calories. Too much hummus can cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea and bloating, in some people.
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Key Takeaways
Hummus provides more protein, iron, and calcium with less fat, while guacamole delivers more heart-healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin E.
Hummus is a Mediterranean spread traditionally used for dipping veggies and chips. However, hummus can be used as a healthy alternative to butter. This dip is commonly made from ground chickpeas, sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon and garlic. Choose from several different varieties to find a taste that suits you.
Hummus is relatively low in sugar, especially when compared with other popular snack products. Eating fiber-rich foods such as hummus may help a person feel fuller and support better control of blood sugar.
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Hummus is a perishable food that can go bad, especially once it's opened. After opening, hummus should last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. It can go bad sooner. Check for signs of mold, sour odors or too much product separation.
From olive oil to tahini, the ingredients in hummus are great for your heart. “Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, and tahini contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats can help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease,” Odell adds.
Here are the five best veggie pairings with hummus for weight loss:
While you can cut off mold from certain hard cheeses and still eat the rest of the wedge, with a dip like hummus the mold's spores or roots can be far entrenched inside the container but invisible to the naked eye. So, just removing the mold from the top won't do the trick.
Yes, you can freeze hummus! When properly stored, frozen hummus can last up to 4 months without significant loss of quality. However, it tends to thicken when frozen, so stir in a bit of water or olive oil after thawing to help restore its creamy consistency.
Moore claimed that overdoing it with this dip could lead to gastrointestinal issues, arguing that because hummus is made from chickpeas—a legume that takes a while to break down—eating hummus could cause gastrointestinal inflammation for some individuals.
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The results are in and they are unanimous: olive oil is by far the best overall butter alternative, but there are a few specific scenarios where you might want to reach for another fat. If you are looking for a healthy go-to packed with good fats, buy olive oil from Brightland and enjoy the many benefits.
It's a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products and by-products, such as meat, fish, dairy, poultry, eggs, honey, gelatin, whey, lard, etc. Basically, anything that has animal derivatives is discarded by vegans. This is the reason why vegans can't have traditional butter.