Hummus: A Healthy and Beneficial Snack

Hummus is a simple dip made from Garbanzo beans (chickpeas). Chickpeas are a very good source of folic acid, fiber, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium. They can help lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels, making them an excellent snack choice for diabetics, overweight individuals and senior citizens. Because chickpeas are so low in fat, they make a great choice for dieters, and because they're filled with protein, they're also very healthy for individuals lifting weights or trying to gain weight. Chickpeas can also help detoxify the system of preservatives found in many foods and drinks.

Scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of chickpeas can help prevent diabetes as well as heart disease.

Hummus is made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and salt (typically). Hummus is especially healthy, because of the other ingredients found in it.

Because Hummus also contains olive oil, it may have additional preventative and healing properties. According to healingdaily.com, Spanish researchers have found that olive oil can prevent colon cancer when included in the daily diet. It can also help lower bad cholesterol levels and is a good source of Vitamin E, as well as a healthy (good) fat.

Lemon juice is known to help with indigestion, relieve hiccups and act as a tonic that stimulates the liver. It is also extremely high in vitamin C and can be used as a natural diuretic.

Hummus

Ingredients

2 (15.5-oz) cans of chickpeas

2 T. olive oil

3 crushed garlic cloves

4 t. curry powder

6 T. fresh lemon juice

½ c. water

salt, to taste

hot sauce (optional), to taste

Directions:

Process all ingredients using a blender until smooth. To serve, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Eat with pretzels, chips, pita chips, fresh vegetables, crackers and bread.

(Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com)