Is Hummus Bad For You?
Also Known As: houmous
Short answer
Hummus is a healthy food which provides many unique health benefits to those who consume it frequently.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Hummus is a creamy substance which originates from the Middle East and is generally used as a dip or spread for chips, bread, sandwiches, meats, and more. Recently, the delicious dip has gained attention as a 'superfood' due to its many health benefits. So, is hummus really as healthy as the media makes it out to be?
The short answer is yes. Hummus is an all-natural food which carries many unique health benefits.
Most of hummus' health benefits derive from its primary ingredient: garbanzo beans. Garbanzo beans are rich in protein, fiber, and iron. The fiber can help lower cholesterol and speed up weight loss, as well as decrease risk of type 2 diabetes. The iron helps alleviate symptoms of anemia in those who suffer from the disease by delivering oxygen to red blood cells.
Hummus has even been known to reduce the risk of cancer. Hummus is incredibly rich in folate. Folate-rich foods have been proven to decrease the risk of many types of cancer, including colorectal cancers, in those who consume them frequently. The folate in hummus can also help lower one's risk of heart disease.
All in all, hummus deserves the superfood title, as it includes many unique health benefits that can be difficult to obtain from other foods in one's daily diet. Plus, it's delicious!
Benefits
- faster weight loss
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lower cholesterol
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decreased risk of heart disease
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decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
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decreased risk of cancer
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alleviation of anemia symptoms
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Spicy Black Bean Dip
- Flavorful and spicy
- Rich in protein
- Convenient snack
- 16 oz size
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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