Zero or negative calorie foods are more of a misnomer since there is really no such thing as a zero or negative calorie food, but the terms have become popular when they define foods that contain the approximate number of calories the body requires to burn them in a very short period of time…some even while eating them. That’s why they are a must to incorporate into any diet.
Here is the list of 20 zero calorie foods:
1. Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C and many healing phytonutrients while being very low in calories.
100 gr. of oranges contain only 47 calories.
2. Celery
Celery is an important food source of conventional antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese.
100 gr. of celery contains 16 calories.
3. Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in fiber and has been heralded as an anti-inflammatory food because it provides a truly unique combination of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
100 gr. of asparagus contains 20 calories.
4. Cabbage
Cabbage is an amazing weight loss food and cancer prevention tops all other areas of health research with regard to cabbage and its outstanding benefits.
100 gr. of cabbage contains 25 calories.
5. Cucumber
Cucumbers contain a high water content thus making them very low in calories. They’re a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese.
100 gr. of cucumber contains 16 calories.
6. Beets
These colorful root vegetables contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer.
100 gr. of beets contains 43 calories.
7. Lemon
Compounds in lemons, called limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
100 gr. of lemon contains 29 calories.
8. Cauliflower
Cauliflower has many anti-inflammatory properties and it improves digestion and cardiovascular efficiency.
100 gr. of cauliflower contains 25 calories.
9. Mushrooms
Intake of whole fresh mushrooms, mushroom extracts, and powdered/dried mushrooms has been shown to block production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
100 gr. of mushrooms contain 38 calories.
10. Watermelon
Phenolic compounds in watermelon—including flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids—make this fruit a choice for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits.
100 gr. of watermelon contains 30 calories.
11. Zucchini
As a popular side dish, zucchini is low-calorie and high in fiber with no cholesterol or unhealthy fats.
100 gr. zucchini contains 17 calories.
12. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can help you prevent cancer and heart disease and it’s equally effective for weight loss.
100 gr. gr of tomatoes contain 17 calories.
13. Grapefruit
The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient that has anti-tumor activity.
100 gr. of grapefruit contains 42 calories.
14. Brussels Sprouts
There are over 100 scientific studies focused on Brussels sprouts, and over half of those studies involve the health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable in relationship to cancer.
100 gr. of Brussels sprouts contains 43 calories.
15. Kale
Truly a powerhouse in nutrients, kale is very rich in vitamins, protein, fiber and minerals.
100 gr. of kale contains 49 calories.
16. Turnips
Turnips have many anti-inflammatory properties and are very low in calories.
100 gr. of turnips contains 28 calories.
17. Apple
Apples are rich in polyphenols and protect against diabetes, cancer, heart disease and many other inflammatory diseases.
100 gr. of apples contains 52 calories.
18. Onions
Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family, and both are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for many health-promoting effects.
100 gr. of onions contain 40 calories.
19. Carrots
Carrots are natural diuretics, anti-inflammatory, can help you protect your eye sight and help manage blood sugar levels.
100 gr. of carrots contain 41 calories.
20. Broccoli
Broccoli effectively addresses chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and inadequate detoxification. Few vegetables are more nutritionally dense than broccoli.
100 gr. of broccoli contains 34 calories.
Learn more about “negative” calorie balance: Foods rich in “negative” calories: The more you eat, the more you lose weight