Why Hummus May Not Be So Good For You After All

Hummus dip, consumed in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African countries for thousands of years, however, hummus dips are just now gaining popularity in mainstream America.

This tasty, healthy dip first broke into the American food scene during the 1960’s and 1970’s, however, it was found only in health food stores. Though it took several decades — as well as the addition of flavors appealing to American tastes — it seems hummus is here to stay. The most common varieties of the dip include roasted red pepper hummus dip as well as roasted garlic hummus dip.

However, even roasted red pepper hummus dip may not be that healthy for you after all. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, have become increasingly grown as a genetically modified crop. Genetically modified organisms and crops (GMO’s) are touted as being easier to grow and resistant to pesticides and other harsh chemicals used to ward off weeds and pests. While GMO’s may seem benign, Monsanto, the agri-chemical giant known for spear heading the GMO movement, has recently come under fire.

Health conscious consumers claim that GMO’s can cause a whole slew of both fatal and minor health conditions, ranging from cancer to mood swings. The government is currently embroiled in heated debates over the ethics of GMO foods and food products, as well as the necessity of GMO labeling, with consumers demanding to know how their food was grown.

Luckily, consumers who are concerned about the effects of consuming GMO foods and food products are still able to enjoy hummus by shopping for certified organic hummus brands, or by using organic chickpeas to make their own hummus recipes.