Is It Okay to Eat Hummus Every Day? 10 Benefits, Pregnancy (2024)

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Is It Okay to Eat Hummus Every Day? 10 Benefits, Pregnancy (1)

Hummus is a truly nutritious snack that is good to include in your daily diet in moderation and when combined with a diverse range of food.

Hummus can be a part of the daily diet if consumed in moderation, and the rest of the diet contains a diverse range of foods. It is a truly nutritious snack that combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

According to a 2016 study, people who eat hummus regularly consume more fiber, as well as a variety of nutrients, such as folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and C.

  • While hummus is a very healthy snack option, it should not be consumed in large quantities.
  • Even though it is low in fat, it contains calories. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one cup of hummus (246 grams) contains approximately 408 calories.
  • Too much hummus can cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea and bloating, in some people.
  • Hummus is a nutrient-dense food that, when consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy eating pattern, can help manage weight.

10 health benefits of eating hummus daily

People in the United States have only recently begun to incorporate hummus into their daily diet. When dining out at ethnic restaurants, health-conscious people prefer hummus to fatty dips and spreads laden with mayonnaise.

  1. Mood enhancer
    • Hummus contains a whopping 20 types of amino acids, including tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. This helps produce serotonin, which improves mood.
    • Hummus contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help with minor mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
  2. Fights Inflammation
    • Excessive inflammation is associated with several chronic diseases.
    • Hummus contains many anti-inflammatory ingredients that are required.
      • Olive oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
      • Sesame seeds and chickpea decrease inflammation in the body.
  3. Aids in weight management
    • Hummus, which is high in nutrients and protein, can help with weight loss.
    • The high fiber content prevents overeating and weight gain, especially around the organs.
    • The spread helps balance blood sugar levels and fights cravings and overeating.
  4. Prevents anemia
    • Chickpeas are high in iron, which aids in the transport of oxygen to red blood cells throughout the body.
    • Including hummus in the daily diet is a healthy way to combat iron deficiency and avoid anemia.
  5. May help prevent cardiovascular disease
    • Soluble fiber is well-known for its ability to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol, which are the two key biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.
    • Hummus contains chickpeas, which are high in soluble fiber and thus, beneficial in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.
    • Traditional hummus is made with olive oil, which raises high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol and has antioxidant activity, which reduces inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.
  6. Strengthens bones and muscles
    • Hummus, which is high in protein, helps build strength and develop bones and muscles.
    • Hummus is high in bone-building minerals, such as calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium.
  7. Helps the digestive system
    • Hummus' ingredients provide the body with the fiber that helps the digestive system to function more efficiently.
    • Furthermore, the ingredients in hummus promote the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut.
  8. Controls blood sugar level
    • Hummus' main ingredient is chickpea, which has a low glycemic index.
    • Hummus contains special fats that slow the release of sugar in the bloodstream. As a result, the blood sugar level remains within a healthy range.
  9. Reduces cancer risk
    • Foods high in folate and fiber, such as chickpeas, promote healthy cell division and lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
    • Hummus contains compounds, such as phytic acid and saponins, that aid in the prevention of cancer cell growth.
  10. Fights infections
    • Lemons and garlic, both common ingredients in hummus, are high in antioxidants, and cleansing properties. Similarly, the ingredients boost immune function and aid in the defense against bacteria and viruses.

Is it safe to eat hummus during pregnancy?

It is perfectly safe to consume hummus while pregnant. Hummus is essentially made from mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. All of these ingredients are safe to consume while pregnant, and each has its own set of health benefits. When they combine to make hummus, they create a highly nutrient-dense spread.

Hummus is rich in folic acid. When a person is pregnant, they require more folic acid. The acid lowers the child's chances of developing neural tube defects. These flaws are usually associated with the spinal cord and the brain.

Commercial hummus processing can change the nutritional profile of hummus. To reap the most health benefits, prepare it at home or purchase commercially prepared products that contain the same ingredients as traditionally prepared hummus (chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, and spices).

Hummus is good for health as long as people eat it in moderation and don't eat it with added ingredients, such as sugar.

SLIDESHOW Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See Slideshow

References

Image Source: Getty Images

Davis B. Is it bad to eat hummus every day? MVOrganizing. https://www.mvorganizing.org/is-it-bad-to-eat-hummus-everyday/

Food FAQ. Is hummus fattening? (can you eat it everyday?) https://foodfaq.org/is-hummus-fattening/

Reister EJ, Belote LN, Leidy HJ. The Benefits of Including Hummus and Hummus Ingredients into the American Diet to Promote Diet Quality and Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3678. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7760696/

Is It Okay to Eat Hummus Every Day? 10 Benefits, Pregnancy (2024)

FAQs

Is It Okay to Eat Hummus Every Day? 10 Benefits, Pregnancy? ›

Is it safe to eat hummus during pregnancy? It is perfectly safe to consume hummus while pregnant. Hummus is essentially made from mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. All of these ingredients are safe to consume while pregnant, and each has its own set of health benefits.

Is eating hummus every day healthy? ›

While it's a decent amount to get you toward that daily fiber goal, it won't wreck your digestive system. It's all about moderation. Individual food sensitivities aside, chickpeas and hummus are perfectly safe to consume as long as they don't make up your entire meal.

Can you eat hummus in third trimester? ›

It is recommended that pregnant women do not consume hummus, irrespective of the tahini ingredient. The tahini content is a concern due to salmonella. However, even without the tahini the product is a moist chilled environment that would be suitable for growth of listeria.

What are the health benefits of hummus for babies? ›

Hummus is easy to prepare and soft enough to not be a choking hazard for your baby or toddler. It's also a great source of complete protein, iron, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.

How to make pregnancy safe hummus? ›

Place chickpeas, tahini and lemon juice in food processor and mix on a low speed. Slowly add some of the retained chickpeas juice, to give the hummus a smooth texture. Serve in a bowl with chopped veggies. Sprinkle paprika on top to garnish.

How much hummus is too much daily? ›

Eating more than 70 grams of fiber daily is when digestion issues can occur, a report from Medical News Today states. This would mean eating more than 4.5 tablespoons of hummus can put your body at risk, which is something that's easy to do when using the dip to complement chips or veggies.

What does hummus do to your body? ›

Hummus is a versatile ingredient and a good source of fiber, along with vitamins and minerals like manganese, copper, folate, and iron. Thanks to its impressive nutrient profile, it may help ease inflammation, promote heart health, and support blood sugar management.

What are the benefits of hummus when pregnant? ›

While this isn't an exhaustive list of every vitamin and mineral you'll find in hummus, these ones stand out:
  • Iron: Your iron needs increase during pregnancy as you have a greater blood volume and are supplying oxygen to your baby.
  • Folate: Folate helps prevent birth defects during pregnancy.
Jul 2, 2023

Does hummus increase fertility? ›

Vegetable sticks with hummus dip

They are also lower in sugar than fruits, so they are a great way to reach your 5-a-day. Dipping them into hummus can make your snack more filling and tasty. Plus, it incorporates more plant-based protein into your diet, which is helpful for fertility (8).

Can babies react to hummus? ›

It's possible. Hummus is usually made using tahini – a paste made from sesame seeds. Seeds are one of the common foods that can cause an allergic reaction. Hummus also usually contains chickpeas, plus other ingredients for flavouring, like garlic, lemon or peppers.

Is Chickpea good for baby? ›

Are chickpeas healthy for babies? Yes. Chickpeas are an incredibly nutritious legume, rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, high in the key nutrients that babies need to thrive, including folate, iron, vitamin B6, choline, and zinc.

Is hummus healthy yes or no? ›

Hummus is a healthy, versatile snack. It is packed with nutrients and offers protection from various diseases. It's easy to make your own at home, and you can find all kinds of flavors at the grocery store, from black bean, roasted garlic, and coconut curry to red velvet and chocolate mint.

Is hummus better warm or cold? ›

Cold hummus embodies the taste of nothingness. This is a sad, sad flavor. The refrigeration masks the rich flavors of the chickpea. Let it come to room temperature before you delve in -- you'll see what you've been missing.

Can I eat chickpeas daily during pregnancy? ›

Chickpeas are good to eat during pregnancy due to its multiple benefits. It is rich in iron and helps in energy production and metabolism. Chickpeas have folates that prevent birth defects in babies. They also contain vitamin B6 and proteins which are good for the baby.

What is one food to avoid while pregnant? ›

When you're pregnant, avoid eating soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk products and undercooked meat, fish and eggs — these may contain germs that can harm your baby. Wash all fruits and vegetables and don't eat them if they've been pre-cut.

What foods help unplanned pregnancy? ›

Foods that are rich in protein are highly recommended. These include: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds. However, make sure that you are eating foods that are safe for you to consume. Check that your meat, eggs, and fish are thoroughly cooked.

Why can't you eat hummus after 2 days? ›

But both varieties should last up to 7 days in the refrigerator (for prepared hummus this applies once the container is opened). Like any food, hummus is perishable and is prone to spoilage. When the product no longer smells or tastes the same as it did when originally purchased or prepared, it is time to throw it out.

Is hummus a fat or carb or protein? ›

First, let's look at the nutrition stats for hummus: a 2-tablespoon serving contains about 70 calories, 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of fiber. The verdict based on the numbers and ingredients? Hummus is healthy—and you can include it as part of a nutritious diet.

Is store-bought hummus healthy? ›

A: Many packaged hummus brands are pretty healthy – the basic ingredients are chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, garlic and lemond juice. But making it at home allows you to control the sodium, calories and nutrients.

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