Hummus: A Snacking Sensation!

Anybody unfamiliar with an organic lifestyle – one that puts a greater focus on fruits, vegetables and high quality proteins void of chemical enhancements – probably believes it’s a lifestyle void of snacking. In some respects, this is true. After all, it’s a bit disingenuous for someone to claim they eat organically while his or her mouth is full of onion dip and Bugles. But snacking and organic living are not mutually exclusive. It’s all in the snacks you choose.

Playing on my dip example, one of the world’s best snacks that can be used as a dip is hummus. Hummus is both tasty and good for you. How can dip be good for you, you ask? Because hummus is primarily made from one of the world’s best beans, chick peas (or garbanzo beans). Chick peas are a staple in the diets of vegans and vegetarians as they’re a great source for protein and iron – nutrients that are hard to find in diets that don’t include meat.

In addition to their richness in iron and protein, not to mention folate and fiber, garbanzos are one of the best sources for molybdenum. You’ve probably never heard of such a mineral, but molybdenum is a trace mineral found in lots of different dairy products like milk, nuts like almonds, legumes like lima beans and vegetables like tomatoes. As a supplement, molybdenum has been used to fight cancer, prevent cavities and reduce asthma symptoms. Its primary function, though, is to produce enzymes.

But let’s get back to hummus itself. Unlike other dips, which are loaded with ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, hummus is made with everyday ingredients like water, garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and garlic.

Fortunately, lots of schools in the United States have glommed onto the benefits of hummus and are beginning to include it as a lunch option for kids. And while the name “hummus” might sound foreign and unappealing to the average kid, its creamy consistency and sharp taste is sure to keep them coming back for more if they give it a chance.

There are lots of ways to enjoy hummus. One of my favorite ways is by simply spreading a handful of whole wheat organic crackers with hummus when I’ve got a serious case of the munchies. When I feel like an especially crunchy snack, I grab some carrots and use the hummus as a dip. But when it’s lunch time, instead of spreading a slice of whole wheat bread with artery-clogging mayonnaise to top off my turkey sandwich, I spread it with a generous portion of hummus instead.

When it comes to snacking, you really can’t go wrong with hummus. It’s low in calories (around 50 calories for two tablespoons), low in fat (2.5 grams) and contains zero grams of cholesterol. Speaking of cholesterol, studies indicate that a diet rich in garbanzos reduces cholesterol levels. They’re also a “superfood” for diabetes sufferers, stabilizing blood sugar levels while providing long lasting energy.

Remember, just because you’re living an organic lifestyle doesn’t mean you can no longer snack. Sure, those days of onion dip and Bugles are gone, but you can replace that unhealthy treat with a healthier, tastier treat in hummus. You should be able to find organic varieties of hummus in the natural food section of your local grocery store without a problem.