Hummus is one of the healthiest dips out there. It is a simplistic dip, typically consisting of chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt. While Americans have recently developed an affinity for hummus, people in the Mediterranean have been enjoying hummus for many years. In the late 1990s, the American hummus industry was about a five million dollar business. Americans realized how amazing hummus was because food retailers sold $530 million worth of hummus in 2012.
One of the greatest things about hummus is that there are so many variations. While chickpeas make up the base of a classic hummus, it is possible to make hummus without using them. You can make black bean hummus, beet hummus, broccoli, hummus, cauliflower hummus, or even pumpkin hummus. You can get as creative as you want!
Chickpeas Contain Folate
Many people enjoy chickpeas because of their many health benefits, one of them being that they are loaded with folate. This naturally occurring B-vitamin has been known to reduce the risk of colorectal cancers. Research indicates that this may be attributed to the role folate plays on a cellular level. Additionally, the dietary fiber in chickpeas may help to promote healthy bacteria in the colon, which is a preventative step against cancer.
Eating Hummus Is Part Of The Mediterranean Diet…And That’s A Good Thing
Numerous studies have observed the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which is replete with fresh herbs, olive oil, legumes, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and freshly caught fish. And hummus is a main staple in the Mediterranean diet! A study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine found that 30% of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease could be prevented for people who are at high risk by switching to a Mediterranean diet.
We’ve told you how amazing hummus is and now it is time to make some delicious dips! Try them out and let us know how you like them.
Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Hummus
The roasted garlic in this hummus really takes it to a whole other level. Swirl in the kale pesto for a great flavor combination that is both earthy and fresh.
Click here to make the pesto.
Raw (Bean-Free) Broccoli Hummus
If you’re on a raw foods diet, or participating in one of our cleanses, you may want to dip your veggies or raw crackers in something besides guacamole or salsa. This dip is a great alternative to regular hummus, and you can enjoy it without the starch that most hummus contains. Don’t be shy and dig in once you make it!
Click here to make the recipe.
Pumpkin Hummus
A lot of people don’t use fresh pumpkin to cook with. Instead of using processed canned pumpkin, use baby pumpkins because they are incredibly sweet. Plus, you can save the seeds and roast them in the oven for a snack.
Click here to make the recipe.
Homemade Tahini
We are giving you this recipe because some hummus recipes call for tahini. The cool thing about making your own tahini is that you can add your own flair, provided the flair you add is part of the raw diet. For instance, you can add different seasonings if you want it to taste a certain way. We have the very basic recipe that is for a classic tahini.
Click here to make the recipe.
