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We are constantly told that we should eat more nutrient-rich foods such as vitamins, minerals or antioxidants.
And although we eat enough of such foods, we still have a deficiency of many substances important for our body. The cause is intensive agriculture, which over decades has drained many nutrients from the soil.
It is therefore necessary that we learn which foods have the highest content of these substances and then include them in our daily diet.
At the same time it is necessary to limit calories so we do not gain unnecessary weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
In short, we need to start consuming more foods that are low in calories and at the same time rich in the necessary nutrients.
Here are 14 of the best foods that meet the above criteria:
1. Onion
Onion is a popular vegetable added to dishes for flavor. It contains only 40 calories per 100 grams.
However, it is extremely rich in many beneficial substances, especially bioflavonoids.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are made mostly of water, so they hydrate the body well. However, they have only 16 calories per 100 grams.
They are great as a side to meals and in salads.
3. Celery
This is a classic food referred to as a zero-net-calorie food. That’s because the body burns more calories digesting it than the amount of calories it contains.
There are only 16 calories in 100 grams of celery, but a heap of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
4. Brussels sprouts
This cruciferous vegetable, along with broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, has very few calories – only 43 per 100 grams.
On the other hand, it contains plenty of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
5. Apples
If you thought this article would contain only vegetables, that’s not the case. Even fruits like the sweet apple contain only 52 calories per 100 grams.
Besides the well-known vitamins and minerals, it also contains pectin, important for detoxifying the body, and acids that soften gallstones and help them pass during gallbladder colic.
6. Oranges
Like apples, oranges despite their sweet taste have relatively few calories – only 47 per 100 grams.
They are, however, extra rich in vitamin C, so they are especially suitable during flu season and respiratory illnesses, for example now, in the months between winter and spring.
7. Cabbage
Cabbage excellently supports cardiovascular health and prevents the development of cancer. It is great for weight loss because it quickly fills the stomach and there are a mere 25 calories per 100 grams.
It is also excellent for supporting digestion and its juice even treats stomach ulcers.
8. Zucchini
Add zucchini to pasta or to Asian dishes. You will consume a quantity of beneficial vitamins, but only 17 calories per 100 grams.
Zucchini, along with cucumbers and celery, holds the record for low calorie content among the foods on this list.
9. Cauliflower
Cauliflower has very strong anti-inflammatory effects, prevents heart and vascular diseases and excellently supports digestion.
You can even add it to pizza dough. In 100 grams of cauliflower you consume a negligible 25 calories.
10. Kale
Kale is extremely rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but also protein, fiber and phytonutrients.
It has only 49 calories per 100 grams, which compared to cauliflower may seem a lot, but it is still extremely little.
11. Carrot
Carrot protects your eyesight, regulates blood sugar, acts as a natural diuretic and also has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
And what’s best about it, despite its pleasant taste it has only 41 calories per 100 grams.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in fiber and is said to be one of the best foods with anti-cancer effects. Additionally it is a good source of plant protein and supports digestion.
In 100 grams of broccoli you will find a mere 34 calories.
13. Asparagus
If you’ve never tasted grilled asparagus yet, you should definitely try it.
It’s not only tasty, but it also brings a feeling of satiety, contains a number of important nutrients and there are only 20 calories in 100 grams.
14. Red watermelon
Red watermelons are juicy, sweet and tasty. Yet 100 grams contains only 30 calories.
Watermelons are a source of some of the strongest antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and speed up metabolism, thus helping you lose weight.
Conclusion
If this list is short for you, you can also try, for example, rutabaga, lemons, tomatoes, red beet or grapefruit.
The listed foods also contain a ton of nutrients and have only a few calories.
