The Middle Eastern cookbook is full of flavor, color, and texture. Spices are an essential element in the kitchen, providing a characteristic and unique touch. The clear example that gathers all these qualities is, without a doubt, the hummus. A traditional recipe of this culture that provides a multitude of properties. Do you want to discover why eat hummus is it so beneficial? Keep reading!
Hummus, culture and tradition
This is known chickpea paste like hummus or bi-tahini hummus. It is a recipe that, despite being in a time of growing popularity, has always been part of the menu of oriental appetizers. As with the great traditional recipes, the ingredients with which it is made differ in each house. However, what is certain is that the main ingredient is chickpea. Let's keep in mind that hummus is the Arabic translation of this legume, hence the man of this cream. Garlic, lemon juice, sesame and some spices like paprika or cumin complete this recipe.
Where are you from?
The truth is that it is not known for sure what the cradle of hummus is. However, it is typical in countries like Lebanon, Turkey or Palestine, for example. In any case, it is said that the first time hummus is talked about in history is in a Egyptian cookbook dating from the XNUMXth century.
It is not surprising that this food has been with us for so long, considering that the chickpeas they are one of the first legumes to be cultivated.
If to all this is added the fact that his recipe spread like wildfire thanks to the Ottoman Empire after World War II. From then on hummus achieved unprecedented popularity. Its simplicity in its preparation and its intense flavor make it an ideal aperitif.
So why eat hummus?
Certainly, knowing the ingredients of hummus, it is not surprising that this appetizer has plenty of nutritional properties. It contains proteins, vitamins and minerals -magnesium, calcium and iron, among others-, carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Sesame is another of the ingredients with which hummus is made, and it contains proteins of plant origin. These seeds are rich in methionine, an amino acid that is not present in legumes and that make this appetizer much more complete if possible.
As we said before, it is an elaboration that is gaining more and more popularity. The point has come that it is an aperitif considered a superfood. So much so, that the benefits of hummus are multiple. Which are?
Hummus benefits
Consuming hummus is a great food for lose weight. Its high content in fiber increases satiety, causing you to eat less. This component, in addition, favors and regulates intestinal transit and fights constipation. On the other hand, garlic and saturated fatty acids have both antioxidant and diuretic effects.
Hummus also helps control cholesterol and regulate cholesterol levels. blood sugar. The chickpeasAs good legumes they are, they contain a lot of protein and carbohydrates; as well as a multitude of vitamins and minerals. All this contributes to reducing bad cholesterol and also to maintaining a good level of sugars in our body.
And its main benefits do not end here. The hummus is also considered a major antidepressant. This is because this food produces Serotonin -that's how the happiness hormone is known-. This hormone helps fight low moods and also depression. Moreover, together with the factor that increases satiety, this tendency to overeat when sad, decreases.
There are two things, then, that are clear: the first is that hummus is one of the appetizers - and Superfoods, incidentally, fashionable. And the second is that it is not in vain that it enjoys this popularity, knowing its flavor and its obvious nutritional properties and benefits. Alone, accompanying a meal or as a snack, hummus is a rich and healthy option.
