Whether you can eat hummus during pregnancy or not is worth discussing. Hummus is a creamy dip used to make sandwiches and wraps healthy. It is prepared using boiled chickpeas. However, you can tweak its ingredients to make healthy hummus variations. But while it’s generally healthy, can you eat it during pregnancy? Keep reading as we tell you more about the safety of this Middle Eastern dip for pregnant women, its healthy ingredients, and the possible side effects of hummus that an expecting woman can experience.
Is Hummus Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?
Hummus is a smooth spread, made with wholesome ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), and olive oil. This sauce is rich in fiber and protein, and low in calories, making it a healthy option for pregnant women (1). However, it is better to consume fresh homemade hummus, instead of the store-made one. Also, avoid consuming stored or stale hummus that has been refrigerated for too long. Ideally, you should consume it as a dip with healthy snacks and not in huge quantities (2).
How Much Hummus Can You Have Per Day?
There is no recommended limit on hummus consumption for pregnant women. However, one to two tablespoons of hummus a day would be ideal. You may have it as a spread on a sandwich or as a dip with your vegetable sticks or crackers. In the next section, we tell you about the nutrients in hummus.
Nutritional Value Of Hummus
The nutrient value of hummus is as follows (1). How are these nutrients helpful in pregnancy? Continue reading to know about it.
Nutrients In Hummus That Are Good For Pregnancy
The ingredients used to make hummus are rich in nutrients, so consuming this dip can be good for your health. You do not have to eat for two people when you are pregnant. What matters is whether you are eating right. Adding grain foods such as hummus could help you in gaining the extra energy you require as an expecting mom (7). However, in some cases, eating hummus can result in side effects.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Hummus?
If the hummus is not freshly made, has been kept in the refrigerator for too long or has been purchased from a store, then it may have harmful bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria-contaminated hummus can be harmful to pregnant women. In rare cases, there could be health concerns for the babies too. However, with early diagnosis and medications, it is possible to prevent the infection (8). Eating homemade hummus is the best way to prevent such risks.
Healthy Hummus Recipe To Try At Home
Making hummus takes only a few ingredients and a little time. You will need:
125g dried chickpeas (soaked) Lemon juice 2tsp tahini (sesame seed paste) Garlic cloves Water as required Salt
How to: Serve it with bread, salad, vegetable sticks, and anything to relish its taste and benefits.
