Low GI Hummus for Pregnancy - Dr Morris (2024)

FAQs

Low GI Hummus for Pregnancy - Dr Morris? ›

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.

You can absolutely eat hummus during pregnancy. Hummus is a delicious spread that can be utilized in a variety of ways—on its own as a dip with veggies, crackers, or pita bread or as a tasty spread added to sandwiches, wraps, and bowls.

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.

Fortunately for us all, most hummus contains little to no sugar. Whew! In fact, hummus is often recommended for low- or no-sugar diets—since aside from skimping on sweeteners, it packs a heavy dose of vitamins and minerals, protein, complex carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, and fiber.

Hummus, because of its chickpea content, is a source not only of protein, but also dietary fiber, resistant starch, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, especially folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium (Table 1).

Avoid using eggs with cracked shells or foods containing raw eggs. Raw sesame seeds are also a salmonella risk so avoid eating sesame seeds and ready to eat products such as tahini, halva and 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.

The glycemic index of hummus is around 6, which is very good. For example, the glycemic index of a bagel is 72 – way too high. In addition, the glycemic load of two tablespoons of hummus is 1, which is also excellent. In general, the lower those measurements are, the easier it is on our blood sugar regulation.

Both hummus and guacamole are delicious and nutritious dips that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, hummus is generally the healthier option. It's lower in calories and fat, higher in protein and fiber, and lower in sodium.

Hummus is a great addition to the GD Diet, packed with heart-healthy fats and some protein too, it makes for a great plant-based snack or as a condiment to add to a meal.

Will hummus spike blood sugar? ›

Hummus is a popular creamy spread made from nutritious chickpeas. It contains high protein and minerals that prevent blood sugar spikes. A study found that one ounce of hummus lessened the blood sugar level in a group of people. Blood sugar was four times lower than people who consumed white bread.

While hummus is a very healthy snack option, it should not be consumed in large quantities.

*If you are on dialysis or need to limit your potassium or phosphorus, hummus is not a good choice as beans and peas may be high in both potassium and phosphorus. Avocados are also not recommended, as they are high in potassium. Speak to your Registered Dietitian to decide what is best for you.

Notably, hummus is calorie-dense; a single cup of hummus roughly equates to 400 calories. Therefore, mindful consumption is recommended to avoid an excessive caloric intake that could potentially contribute to weight gain.

Hummus is not only an alternative to meat but also a dip that provides a good source of iron (2.4 mg of iron per 100 g hummus) (15). As the other plant-based products, the iron contained in hummus is poorly absorbed (nonheme iron).

For your main meal, choose foods that release their energy slowly. These include: wholemeal, multigrain or granary bread, chapatis or pita bread made from wholemeal flour.

Consuming large amounts of white pita bread with hummus could potentially lead to hyperglycemia. Thus, while hummus and pita bread can be healthy choices in moderation, portion control and the right pairing are key to avoiding spikes in blood glucose levels.

Crispy, oven-baked pita chips and hummus are a match made in snack heaven. Whether you opt for plain, sea salt or a hint of garlic, pita chips bring a satisfying balance to the smoothness of hummus.

Boiled vegetables and pita chips with hummus

A sauce originating from the Middle East - Hummus served with vegetables and crispy pita chips is a nutritious snack that provides energy and fiber for pregnant women to maintain health and good shape.