8 Reasons Hummus Is The One Thing You Should Add To Your Wellness Routine

There are some foods that your body just naturally responds to, and you can tell you're eating something really good for you. Hummus is one of those foods. You'll just feel better after enjoying hummus. This makes perfect sense, as hummus is loaded with nutrients your body craves.

There are medically proven benefits to hummus that you can depend on every time you enjoy this rich tasting, creamy delight. Here are eight reasons why you should add hummus to your diet:

1. Hummus is a rich source of protein.

Just one tablespoon of hummus provides 1.2 grams of protein. Your muscles (remember, your heart is a muscle) need protein, which they get when you eat foods with protein in it. For vegetarians and vegans, hummus is a veritable gold mine of vegetable-based protein. The USDA recommends that an average-sized woman gets 46 grams of protein daily. Hummus can help you to reach that.

2. Hummus supplies 2 percent of your magnesium and iron daily requirements.

Magnesium has been getting a lot of attention later. Specifically, magnesium deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular problems, diabetes and more. In fact, 80 percent of Americans are suspected of being magnesium deficient. Magnesium is found in abundance in vegetables, but if you're consistently skipping the greens, you'll appreciate the magnesium that hummus provides.

As you know, women are especially susceptible to iron deficiency, which can lead to chronic tiredness, among other things. Again, vegetarians and vegans have to really monitor their iron intake, since meat is the main source of this essential mineral. Hummus is valuable for its iron-rich, energizing ingredients, and you don't need to go near an animal to get it.

3. Hummus is a type of food with no cholesterol.

For those who watch their cholesterol, hummus is ideal. It has the rich flavor that matches what you'd expect from a dairy-based dip, without one drop of milk or cream. Hummus weighs in with absolutely zero cholesterol. Nada. None. Zippo.

4. Hummus has loads of fiber content to help mobilize fat loss.

You know how people are always talking about adding fiber to your diet? The reason is that fiber helps with weight loss. It makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat less, and fiber helps keep everything moving along inside your body. Hummus is made with chickpeas, and in 164 grams, 12 of those consist of fiber. That's pretty amazing, considering you never have to go near a rice cake.

Are you still curious about hummus? Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask about hummus.

5. Hummus is all-natural.

Hummus is made from all natural ingredients with no preservatives, so it is best stored in the fridge. It's fine to leave out during a party or an evening in, however. If there's any left (which we doubt there will be, it's that good), just cover it and store in the refrigerator overnight.

6. Hummus lasts a while before going bad.

Honestly, no one knows. It's always eaten before it gets to that point. Seriously, though, if you're away on vacation or something, and you come back to a half-eaten tub of hummus, you can tell if it's gone bad if it has a sour smell.

Typically, fresh hummus should last three days covered in the fridge, but it will taste better if you eat it right after you make it. For commercial brand hummus, just check the “best by” date on the container.

7. Hummus is good to eat if you're feeling under the weather.

Hummus is perfect if you're feeling sick. Its relatively bland taste will go down easy on some crackers or toast. And its gentle ingredients won't upset your stomach. The fiber will help keep your hunger at bay until you're feeling up to eating a complete meal, and the protein will help you get stronger faster.

8. You can eat hummus if you're dieting.

Hummus is awesome weight loss food. It goes really well with diet food and makes even the most simple foods taste better. Spread hummus inside a celery stalk for a protein-packed snack you can eat anywhere. Skip the potato chips, and dip baby carrots into a bowl of hummus for a crunchy treat in front of the television at night.

Here are some more ways to enjoy hummus:

We don't need to tell you that hummus is perfect as a dip for crudités. But there are lots of other ways to enjoy your hummus. Here are some to get your creative juices flowing:

• Core out grape tomatoes with a small melon baller and stuff with hummus.
• Substitute hummus for mayonnaise on your sandwiches.
• Spread hummus on flour tortillas and layer with sprouts and sliced veggies for homemade vegetarian wraps.
• Mix tuna, celery and hummus together in a bowl for a unique twist on tuna salad.
• Substitute hummus for cream cheese in your homemade jalapeño poppers.

If you haven't tried hummus before, you owe it to yourself to try this Middle Eastern food that has made its way onto tables around the world.

Now it's your turn. Tell us what you think about these hummus ideas. We know you'll love how easy it is to make hummus and the simplicity of this delicious food. How do you enjoy hummus in your household? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Sharon Chen is the author of DelishPlan.com, where she helps busy professionals plan easy and delicious home-made meals in less time than they ever thought possible. Check out her nearly ultimate guide to hummus so that you know how to make hummus suit your own taste and health goals.