Created from a combination of chickpeas, olive oil, and mouth-watering ingredients, hummus is a staple of Jordanian, Lebanese, and authentic Mediterranean food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a guilt-free dish thanks to its impressive nutritional value. In case you needed another reason — or three — to dig into a bowl full, here are the top health benefits of hummus.

3 Health Benefits of Eating Hummus

1. Control Your Blood Sugar

The glycemic index is used to rate foods on how fast or slow they raise blood sugar. Chickpeas only have a glycemic index of 28 out of 100, which is incredibly low as foods go. In comparison, white rice is rated 73. As a result of chickpeas' low index score, eating hummus can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar. In fact, studies have even shown that the authentic Mediterranean food was actually able to lower blood sugar for a period of time.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

High cholesterol poses serious health concerns. In fact, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increase a person's risk of heart disease. Fortunately, hummus is a heart-healthy food. In one study, participants that followed a chickpea-supplemented diet for five weeks showcased drastic drops in LDL as well as over cholesterol counts.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

While it may taste like a comfort food, hummus won't make you pack on the pounds. According to scientific research, regular consumers of the authentic Mediterranean food boast a lower BMI and waist measurement than non-hummus eaters. As mentioned above, chickpeas help regulate blood sugar, but they're also a fiber-rich food, which aids digestion. Such attributes are vital to healthy weight management.

Reap the benefits of hummus today by visiting Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant in St. Louis, MO. Fans of halal food from all over the St. Louis County area have flocked to the local Mediterranean restaurant for over 20 years. Known for their commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, guests enjoy authentic Old-World meals from half a world away. Learn more about their authentic Mediterranean food selection on their website or by calling (636) 527-4000.