Leeks and Weight Loss

Leeks are rooted vegetables that consist of a long bunch of leaves forming an edible stalk with a relatively subdued flavor. Leeks are low in calories, so they may be suitable for weight loss. Leeks are widely available in grocery stores and are relatively inexpensive, so including this vegetable in your weight-loss plans can be beneficial. Note that cooking leeks in butter, oil or other additives will alter the nutritional content, so take all ingredients into account.

Calorie Content

Leeks are low in calories, which make them a good dieting choice. A 124 g leek contains just 38 calories, which comprises less than 2 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,000 calories. Leeks are lower in calories than many other vegetables, such as potatoes, which contain 94 calories per 100 g serving. It would take only 4 minutes of jogging or 10 minutes of weightlifting to burn 38 calories.

Carbohydrate Content

Leeks are low in carbohydrates, with 9 g per 124 g serving. This can make leeks appropriate for a wide range of diets, many of which restrict carbohydrate intake. Although you do not need to dramatically reduce your carbohydrate intake to lose weight, research indicates it may be beneficial. A study from the July 2008 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" found that low-carbohydrate diets induced more weight loss than diets higher in carbohydrates.

Fat Content

Leeks contain just 0.25 g of fat in each 124 g serving. This can be beneficial for weight loss, as fat is calorie-dense, providing 9 calories per gram. Despite being calorie dense, fat may not make you feel very full, so high-fat foods can be detrimental to dieting. A study from the July 2009 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" found high-fat meals produced less satiety than high-carbohydrate meals, which could lead to overeating later in the day.

Protein Content

Leeks are low in protein; a 124 g leek contains only 1 g of protein. Protein is required for the construction and repair of your body's tissues, and high-protein diets may aid in weight loss, but leeks would not be an effective choice for such meal plans.

Calcium Content

Leeks are not rich in many vitamins and minerals, but each 124 g leek provides 37 mg of calcium, a nutrient that promotes healthy teeth and bones. Additionally, research published in the January 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity," reported that calcium supplementation may aid in fat and weight loss, although leeks alone may not be sufficient to provide this benefit.