10 years ago, hummus in Russia can be found only in specialized stores or restaurants with Jewish cuisine. And now he is in literally every supermarket. Tell what the product is and why it has become so popular.
What is it?
Snack based on chickpeas – chickpeas. Hummus has long been known in the middle East: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey. The West, he came in the 90s and quickly gained the love of Americans: according to recent polls, more than 15 million U.S. citizens regularly eat hummus.
Is it helpful or harmful?
In addition to the chickpeas in the composition of traditional hummus include olive oil, sesame paste (tahini), lemon juice and spices. Nutritionist Elizabeth G. Matteo from Boston University believes this set quite useful. “Hummus has more vitamins and minerals than many other sauces and pastes. It is rich in calcium, folic acid and magnesium,” she says.
Chickpea paste helps to stabilize blood sugar and prevent heart disease. And yet – to maintain a normal weight, because it contains healthy fats, proteins and fiber. This combination leaves the feeling of satiety.
How to eat it?
Though hummus and healthy, it is not necessary to absorb its packaging. There are a lot of sesame seeds and oil and therefore calories. To purchase the paste typically contains about 70 calories per two tablespoons.
And nutritionists advise to pay attention to products with which you eat. If you dip into the hummus bread, chips or crackers, it turns out high-calorie and high-carbohydrate dish. Instead, you can slice raw crunchy vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, celery and carrots. Well, or to spread their protein foods, cooked in a Mediterranean style (falafel, fish or chicken).
How to choose hummus?
Choose a product in which the salt content is lower than in the other: many brands with this over the top. Better yet, hire a firm that trains as close as possible to the traditional recipe: chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic, olive extra virgin oil, sea salt and spices. Avoid the hummus, whose composition is specified sugar or other oils – it won’t be so good and useful.
And if a part is specified “E-shki”? Telling whether to buy such a product in the article “E = danger? The complete guide to food additives”.