Most of us know that a calorie is not just a calorie. In fact, we've known for decades that different foods have different effects on our bodies and how they metabolize energy. But did you know that some foods actually contain "negative calories?" If you're confused by what this means or how it works, I'll explain it all here so you can understand why these foods are so great for dieting and weight loss.
What does "Negative Calorie" Mean?
When you hear the term "negative calorie," it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie. But in reality, negative calories are real and can help you lose weight.
The concept behind negative calorie foods is that they have more calories burned than they contain--in other words, they take more energy to digest than what's provided by the food itself. This means that when you eat these foods, your body will use up more energy than its worth to process them properly (which results in fewer calories). For example:
- Celery contains only 6 calories per stalk but takes 20-30% of its weight in water from your body during digestion. If you're eating celery as part of a healthy diet plan or trying to lose weight fast using our online calculator, then consider adding some stalks to your daily intake!
- Fiber-rich foods such as broccoli also provide an excellent source of vitamins A & C along with iron which could help lower cholesterol levels while reducing inflammation throughout various systems within our bodies, such as joints & muscles, etcetera.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as part of a meal.
- Kale, spinach, and collard greens are high in calcium, which helps keep bones strong.
- Romaine lettuce contains folate (folic acid) needed for cell growth during pregnancy and infancy.
- Bok choy has more vitamin C than oranges do!
Avocado
Avocado is a fruit that belongs to the berry family, and its name comes from the Nahuatl word "ahuacatl," which means testicle. It's no surprise that it's known for being packed with nutrients!
Avocados are a good source of fiber, vitamin E, folate, and potassium--all of which contribute to heart health. They also contain monounsaturated fats--the same kind found in olive oil--which help lower cholesterol levels while promoting weight loss by reducing appetite (1).
Avocadoes are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants that help protect against macular degeneration (2).
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that's low in calories but high in fiber. It contains many essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K; folate; potassium; calcium, and fiber.
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), one cup of raw broccoli contains only 30 calories. That's not bad at all!
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. It's also high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. And the best part? Grapefruits are low in calories!
If you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, this fruit can help. Its high water content means that it has fewer calories than most other fruits and vegetables (about 50 per grapefruit). That's because your body uses more energy when digesting water-rich foods like grapefruits than those that contain less H2O--so even though you'll eat more volume of them at once than other fruits or veggies, they'll fill up your stomach faster and leave less room for higher-calorie foods later on in the day.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great choice for those looking to lose weight. They're low in calories and have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't spike your blood sugar levels like refined carbs do. Sweet potatoes also contain high levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps your cells produce energy, supports your immune system, and keeps vision healthy--in addition to acting as an antioxidant that can fight free radicals in the body (which cause damage).
Sweet potatoes are also rich in potassium and manganese--two minerals that help protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels while strengthening blood vessel walls or preventing blood clots from forming within them (respectively).
Beets
Beets are a good source of folate, potassium, and fiber. They also contain nitrates, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Beets can be enjoyed raw or cooked; try them roasted with olive oil and salt for an easy snack!
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a member of the cabbage family, and it's a good source of vitamins C and K. It also contains phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer. The best way to prepare cauliflower is by roasting, steaming, or boiling it. You can add it as an ingredient in soups or salads, as well as stir-fries or even pizza crusts!
Conclusion
If you're looking for a way to boost your health and lose weight, these seven foods are an excellent place to start. They contain many nutrients that benefit our bodies in numerous ways, including lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer and heart disease risks, and boosting immunity against infection infections such as cold or flu viruses (source). Plus, they taste delicious!
