10+ Reasons Why Hummus Gained So Much Popularity Worldwide
It is no news that Hummus has become extremely popular across the world for years now.
By 2012, as reported by The New York Times, the hummus industry in the United States alone grew to an industry totaling $530 million at food retailers from just a $5 million dollar business 15 years earlier.
"The savory dip is just irresistible," says the HuffPost as well..
Fun Fact : Do you know that there are about 2.5M Hummus hashtags on Instagram alone? That's more than many celebrities can claim!
However, there is way more to the Hummus than its delicious taste and enjoyable texture. These "more" are what brought the nutritionists around the world to highly recommend it and so many people to consume it regularly.
#1 Hummus helps balance your cholesterol levels
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Hummus' main component, the chickpeas, carries nutrients that help lower cholesterol, according to an Australian study at the University of Tasmania's School of Human Life Sciences.
Plus, make sure you use extra-virgin olive oil that can also help to balance cholesterol, fight oxidation, and reduce inflammation.
#2 Hummus Reduces Allergic Reactions
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Hummus is gluten-free, so no risk of related allergies, and it is also lactose-free since it contains no dairy.
So, if you suffer from any of these, hummus should be on your regular menu at home because of the many health benefits it provides you.
#3 Hummus has cancer-preventing properties
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Chickpeas contain saponins, protease inhibitors, and phytic acid; all have been shown in tests "to guard cells against the kind of damage that can cause cancer."
The folate in hummus plays a significant role in cancer prevention, according to a comprehensive study on the Folate by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition:
"Epidemiologic evidence consistently shows inverse associations between higher intakes of dietary folate and a reduced risk of cancer of the colon and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and, more recently, of the pancreas."
#4 Hummus' nutrients help with weight management
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Hummus is very rich in protein, which helps fight cravings and excessive snacking, and balance blood sugar levels, according to nutritionists.
In addition to that, the iron content in hummus boosts your energy, which could probably lead you to more physical exercises.
In addition to that, the Tahini, which is the other main component of the Hummus contains a fair amount of monounsaturated fats that help promote weight loss and reduce belly fat.
#5 The Tahini in the hummus is super healthy!
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In addition to the benefit mentioned above, the monounsaturated fats in the Tahini, as shown in numerous studies, decrease the risks of breast cancer, reduce cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, promote weight loss, and lessen severe pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis.
That's in addition to many other health benefits the Tahini offers.
#6 Hummus promotes healthy skin and hair
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The omega-3 fatty acids in the hummus promote radiant skin and hair growth, while the manganese in chickpeas helps prevent sagging skin and hair loss, and the zinc mineral in hummus is said to delay aging since it is an antioxidant.