Chickpeas are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and are an inexhaustible source of protein, fiber and minerals. But hummus is much more than a satisfying dipping sauce: it is one of the most important functional foods for our mental and intestinal health.
Many include it in their diet thanks to the feeling of satiety, but few know that it can actually help us produce natural serotonin in the body and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It’s time to discover the true benefits of these humble grains.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body turns into serotonin – the neurotransmitter that is sometimes called the “happiness hormone” and improves our mood. Therefore, consuming chickpeas is a natural and excellent way to “produce” serotonin in the brain. In addition, hummus also contains a good amount of iron, B vitamins and zinc.
Colon health and cancer: the fibers increase the volume of the stool and accelerate the rate of passage of food in the digestive tract. This shortens the contact time between the intestine and potential toxins, thus making them a recommended food for reducing the risk of colon cancer. Sugar balance: Thanks to its low glycemic index and high fiber concentration, hummus causes a very moderate increase in blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for both diabetics and those looking for energy stability.
Dry chickpeas prepared at home are the undisputed winners in terms of taste and nutritional values. In the process of soaking and cooking at home, the grains maintain a high vitamin content (mainly from the B group), and the soaking process also reduces the amount of phytic acid, which makes digestion easier and increases the absorption of essential minerals such as iron and zinc.
In contrast, canned hummus – offers maximum convenience and is ready for immediate use, and it does not contain preservatives (only water and salt). Its disadvantage is that the prolonged heating process in the factory may slightly reduce the concentration of heat-sensitive vitamins.
The frozen hummus – is considered the best quick solution in terms of preserving values, because its initial cooking process is relatively short compared to canned, and it preserves the vitamins better.