The holiday season is arriving, and with the festivities is the search for a list of main courses, side dishes and snacks that can provide your family and friends with a menu that is both healthy and tasty. While much preparation goes into the main course for the meal, the snacks that you offer your guests upon arrival can be just as fun to prepare and present.
Hummus dip recipes are a current favorite on many menus. Whether you decide to serve a southwestern salsa and spicy guacamole dip with your hummus dip recipes, or you decide to offer a healthy tray of vegetables and cheeses to your guests, the appetizers can often be as fun to plan as the main meal itself.
In addition to being a tasty and versatile snack option, hummus dip recipes can encourage your guests to eat a combination of foods that are a good source of protein. Rather than providing trays of empty calorie options for your guests, doesn’t it make sense to encourage healthy snacking on fruits, vegetables and other high fiber foods?
Chickpeas, the main ingredients in hummus, were discovered around 3000 B.C. and are thought to be one of the earliest cultivated vegetables. Known as garbonzo beans in many parts of the country, chickpeas are considered a legume, a protein rich diet recommendation.
Consuming legumes four or more times a week, compared to less than once a week, is strongly associated with 22% lower risk of CHD, and 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. And, combined with a variety of other flavors and spices like garlic, red peppers, and onions, chickpeas create a versatile snack that is both filling and nutritious. This snack more commonly known as hummus has a rich and extensive history, tracing back to the 13th century in the Middle East.
A mere two spoonfuls of hummus a day will fulfill the dietary bean recommendation for the week. If, however, you add the more protein rich hummus to your list of during the day and after work and school snack lists, you might be able to join the healthy group of eaters who are seeing additional benefits. The people who add more hummus and chickpea enriched foods into their diets make up a population of people who have a significantly higher Health Eating Index (HEI) score, as well as significantly lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and smaller waist circumference. Doesn’t it make sense to add a snack more rich in protein and fiber to your diet?