Is Hummus a Low Cholesterol Food?

Hummus is a food that is mashed into the consistency of paste. The main ingredient is chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans. This member of the legume family contains no cholesterol.

Origin

The original hummus recipe from the Middle East is a mixture of mashed chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini (sesame paste), and oil. This original mixture also contains no cholesterol.

Variations

Many variations of the original hummus recipe are available. Depending on the addition of selected ingredients, most mixtures contain little, if any, cholesterol.

How to Serve

Hummus is traditionally served as a spread on pita bread, which also contains very little cholesterol, making this a healthy meal. Many American recipes add mayonnaise to hummus to create a sandwich spread, adding some cholesterol.

Nutrition

Not only is hummus beneficial to human health due to its lack of cholesterol, it is also a good source of protein and fiber. Fiber has been shown to actually lower cholesterol in some individuals. (See Reference 1)

Healthy Substitute

Hummus can provide a healthy alternative to other ingredients when used as a sandwich spread, vegetable dip, or casserole base.

References

• Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition - Nine Foods That Lower Cholesterol
• Nutrition Data - Hummus
• Federal Citizen Information Center of Pueblo, Colorado

Resources

• Tribe Hummus