Hummus is a tasty, healthy food with high nutritional content and high calories.
History
Hummus is one of the oldest foods in the world and dates back to ancient times; it has survived through modern times to encompass a wide variety of variations and recipes. Dating back about 7,000 years to the Mediterranean region, traditional hummus is made with chickpeas ground into a paste.
Types
Wide varieties of hummus exist today; its ingredients generally include tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, olive oil, fresh garlic, salt, spinach and other vegetables and spices, such as cumin, onion and onion powder.
Geography
Ancient Egyptians cultivated hummus along the Mediterranean Sea. Hummus became popular in the Middle East and is a staple food there in many meals.
Features
Hummus is low in fat and an excellent source of fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. According to the USDA's National Nutrient Database, it is high in vitamins B1 and B6, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and selenium.
Benefits
Hummus is a healthy, nutritional food with versatile use in a combination of meals, either with other foods or alone. Per the website Ehow.com, hummus is a high-calorie food, so serving size is an important consideration for people on low-calorie diets.
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