You have probably heard of the Mediterranean food called hummus. It is also popular in Arabic dishes. The primary ingredients are chickpeas, olive oil, and tahini along with some lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt. There are a plethora of ways to customize the spread. You can prepare avocado hummus with cilantro and lemon or a version with spinach and feta. Jalapenos and mushrooms are other varieties. The best part about this tasty dip: it’s healthy, especially for vegans and vegetarians.

Reduces Allergic Reactions

Do you have a sensitivity to gluten? You can eat all the hummus you want! This gluten-free food should be on your grocery list if you deal with related allergic reactions. Another plus is the fact that it does not contain any dairy either, in case you are lactose intolerant. You can easily customize hummus to change the ingredients accords to your diet and allergies.

Aids to Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, you should add hummus to your diet. The Mediterranean dish can help you along your weight-loss journey because it is rich in fiber. Eating fiber means you will feel fuller quicker (so you don’t have to consume as much). Tahini hummus can reduce belly fat thanks to its healthy monounsaturated fats.

Improves Skin and Hair Care

Hummus has omega-3 fatty acids, which promote hair growth and radiant skin. Manganese in chickpeas also contributes to the prevention of hair loss and sagging skin. Another mineral found in hummus is zinc; it works as an antioxidant to delay aging. Add this yummy Mediterranean treat to your weekly menu, and you will notice a difference.

Strengthens Bones

Both hummus and tahini contain calcium along with other minerals that improve bone density like copper, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. As you age or go through menopause, your bones will become more brittle. Eating a diet rich in calcium is ideal for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis.  Likewise, hummus and tahini can also make your teeth strong.

Makes Healthy Muscle

Not only does hummus keep your bones strong, but it does the same for your muscles. Chickpeas are loaded with amino acids, which are essential for building healthy tissues and muscles. You need amino acids to make proteins, which your body needs for physiological progress like repairing tissues and strengthening the muscular system.

Balances Cholesterol Levels

Thanks to the olive oil present in hummus, it can help balance cholesterol levels. The antiatherogenic properties can help reduce harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Olive oil can also positively affect your vulnerability to oxidative cell damage. Although more research is needed, studies suggest olive oil even compared to sunflower oil has a better chance of protecting people, especially those with peripheral vascular disease, against oxidation.

Improves Digestion

As mentioned, it is a great source of fiber. This means eating more hummus can help regulate your digestive system. It can promote a bowel movement, especially if you deal with constipation. If you want to have healthy digestion, snacking on this chickpea dip is a natural way to promote a robust digestive system.

Reduces Inflammation

Hummus has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the olive oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are also present in Mediterranean food. These both provide the body with a variety of health benefits including reducing inflammation throughout the body. Several diseases cause swelling and pain including hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and cancer among others.

Lowers the Risk of Anemia

An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is characterized by a lack of red blood cells. The condition can make you feel weak, dizzy, or tired. Chickpeas and tahini are both rich in iron. Eating them can help carry oxygen to your red blood cells. Therefore, your body will have an adequate amount to function properly and prevent anemia.

Prevents Colon Cancer

Did you know that hummus might be able to prevent cancerous cells from binding to the colon lining? Instead of harmful toxins causing colon cancer, saponins and phytic acid found in hummus will flush them from your body. Besides colon cancer, chickpeas may be able to lower your chance of lung cancer thanks to its isoflavones and phytoestrogens.