Does Hummus Help You Lose Weight?

People lose three times more weight when they eat high-fiber, low-calorie foods, contrasted with eating those that provide just low calories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on this statistic, hummus -- a Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil -- is an appropriate food to include in a weight-loss plan because of its high fiber, low caloric count, and that it provides additional beneficial nutrients.

Fiber

A half-cup serving of hummus provides 7.5 grams of fiber -- approximately 30 percent of the 25 grams suggested as an American Dietetic Association average daily value. Fiber is an indigestible plant material that fills you up and slows digestion of carbohydrates, which helps regulate the release of energy between meals rather than expending it all at once. The impact reduces snack cravings and supports healthy blood glucose. It also regulates digestion, which improves metabolism.

Calories

The caloric content in a half-cup of hummus is 204 calories, or 10 percent of a standard 2,000-calorie diet. Including low-calorie foods in a diet is crucial to weight loss. Serve hummus with low-calorie vegetables, such as carrots, cucumber and red pepper slices. Reducing your intake of energy 3,500 calories below your body's energy needs reduces your weight by 1 pound.

Protein

The 9.5 grams of protein in a half cup of hummus slows the absorption of its 17.5 grams of carbohydrates, which prolongs the effect of energy it provides. Maximizing the efficiency of metabolism reduces your caloric requirements. This ultimately results in weight loss because it helps prevent unhealthy peaks in blood sugar that trigger hunger and overeating.

Serving Suggestions

Include hummus in healthful dishes that promote weigh loss -- such as a vegetable platter with hummus spread served as a dip, or a pita sandwich that includes sprouts, lettuce, red onion, tomato and hummus. Middle Eastern-spiced chicken or lamb skewers served alongside hummus salad are an additional option. Make hummus at home with different types of legumes beyond the usual chickpea; these can include kidney beans, pinto beans or white cannelini beans for flavor variation. Making homemade hummus provides the opportunity to reduce the amount of olive oil included, thereby reducing the calorie content.