Want a smaller waistline? Eat Hummus.
New research shows that eating the Middle Eastern dip is linked to a smaller waistline. Not too long ago nobody really knew about this delicious dip but now you can see it everywhere in the supermarkets.
The reason this dip is so popular is that people who regularly eat hummus tend to have smaller waists and healthier diets overall, a new study in the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences found.
According to the research found that hummus eaters—63 percent of whom are female—take in 52 percent more fibre, 13 percent more good-for-you polyunsaturated fats (despite an overall lower intake of fat), and 20 percent less sugar than non-consumers. Plus, people who eat the chickpea-based dip are healthier eaters overall, packing in more servings of fruit, dark green veggies, and whole grains per day.
Hummus fans’ waists are, on average, eight percent smaller than the waists of people who don’t eat the dip, the study found. They also tend to weigh less, even though they take in no fewer calories overall.
What makes hummus such a super food? It’s loaded with slow-digesting carbs, belly-filling fiber, and protein to help you stay satisfied longer, the scientists say. In other words, it’s pretty much the perfect snack.
If you’re buying pre-made hummus, look for one made with olive oil. You should also be sure to watch your portion size; one serving is usually just two tablespoons, because the calories can add up fast, even though they’re the good-for-you kind.
