With so many recommendations on what to eat and what not to eat while you're pregnant, it can sometimes get confusing if your regular diet is healthy and safe during pregnancy. Hummus is a very popular, delicious food and it can surely satisfy those midnight cravings, but is it safe to eat while you are pregnant?
Is Hummus Good for You During Pregnancy?
Hummus is usually made from chickpeas, and chickpeas are a natural source of iron, folate, phosphorus and B vitamins. It can also be made from white beans with similar nutritional qualities. Beans contain both protein and fiber which are vital in the diet of a mom-to-be. Typically spices such as garlic and chives are used as well as lemon juice and olive oil plus tahini, which is a paste made from sesame seeds.
Most people buy hummus ready-made, but store-bought hummus contains usually chemical ingredients like citric acid and potassium sorbate to prevent it from spoiling. Hummus can (and should) be freshly made at home where it takes only minutes to prepare it. When you make hummus at home, it can be a very healthy snack or meal. Try staying away from store bought brands which tend to contain excess sodium and artificial ingredients. In addition, depending on what kind you buy, store-bought hummus may have been made a long time ago and tastes stale.
Hummus as a Fertility Aid
Women who have trouble getting pregnant often turn to nutrition to help aid in conception. While fertility experts agree that full-fat foods and healthy fiber are fantastic means of boosting fertility, folic acid is often left out of the picture. Fertility is boosted by a healthy source of folate or folic acid. Consequently, the recipe for healthy hummus with chives below packs a one-two punch with the high fiber content of chickpeas, omega 3 rich olive oil, and folic acid heavy chives.
Ingredients
Two cans chickpeas (or fresh soaked and cooked chickpeas)
Keep a little chickpea water from can for later on
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Chives, chopped (optional)
Lemon juice
Tahina (sesame seed paste)
Salt to taste
Directions
- Boil fresh chickpeas or use from a can
- Rinse chickpeas (if from a can) with running water to remove excess salt.
- Drain the chickpeas well and throw into a food processor.
- Using a garlic press, add two to three cloves of garlic to the chickpeas.
- Secure the lid on the food processor and turn on chop.
- Open the top of the lid and start to drizzle in a little olive oil.
- Add some Tahini (sesame paste) until the chickpeas resemble a spread.
- Add carefully some chickpea water to create the consistency you like
- Remove the hummus into a bowl and add chives (optional).
- Add lemon juice to taste
- Mix well.
Read More:
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements