Cut calories with these foods

Have you ever heard the theory that certain foods have a negative caloric effect, meaning they burn more calories during the digestive process than they contribute? (Celery and apples are often cited as examples.) 

Turns out the negative calorie theory is a myth. But that doesn’t mean some foods aren't incredibly low-calorie and super-nutritious. Here’s a list of our favorite almost-zero-calorie foods, with recipes.
 Arugula

This delicate, peppery green is amazingly low in everything you don’t want, especially calories, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. It is, however, loaded with crunch and packed with fiber, vitamins A, C and K, and other nutrients, including potassium. 

Perfect in salads, soups, or anywhere you would use leafygreens, arugula may even boost your romantic life! Evidence suggests that the minerals and antioxidants packed into dark, leafy greens are essential for oursexual health because they help block absorption of toxins that dampen the libido. 

 Asparagus

Asparagus is traditionally known as a detoxifying food, because it contains high levels of an amino acid that act as a diuretic, flushing excess fluid out of your system. It also helps speed the metabolism of alcohol and other toxins (it’s a surprising hangover remedy). 

Asparagus is also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, B6, folate, iron, copper, and even protein. We love the tender shoots in their most natural form, raw and tossed into salads, or steamed. 

 Broccoli

Broccoli is amazingly low in calories, but it always makes our list of the top superfoods for a reason. Not only is it packed withfiber, vitamins, and minerals, it contains powerful antioxidants that may improve your odds ofbreast cancer survival and reduce the risk of colon cancer. 

The chemical in broccoli responsible for the protective effect is called sulforaphane, and yes, it gives broccoli its slightly bitter flavor. 

 Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are super-low in calories but loaded with cancer-preventing phytonutrients andfiber. These veggies, sometimes called little cabbages, get a bad rap, but they taste great with a sweet or tangy sauce.

 Cabbage

Crunchy, sweet, and affordable! How can a food that is so humble, with so few calories, be so incredibly good for you? Cabbage packs vitamins, minerals, fibers, and several phytonutrients thought to prevent cancer. Glucosinolate is a metabolic detoxifier and sulphoraphane is a powerful anti-carcinogenic. 

Purple cabbage also contains anthocyanins and other natural chemicals that boost cellular repair and block cancer growth. Eat up! 

Lettuce

You can literally eat pounds of any variety of lettuce and never gain an ounce. Romaine lettuce alone is a great source of B vitamins, folic acid, and manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and is essential for proper immune system function. 

Beets

Beets are sweet but have very few calories—so you can have something sweet without the guilt. They also are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants. 

Beyond their rich, earthy deliciousness, beets are also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in iron, fiber, folate, and potassium, they’re an excellent way to boost the nutrition in a salad or pasta dish. They get their gorgeous colorfrom betanin, a potent antioxidant. 

 Cauliflower

Like other cruciferous veggies, cauliflower is full of cancer-fighting phytonutrients and is a great source of vitamin C and folate. Nibble on raw or lightly steamed florets to maximize cauliflower'snutritional power. Cauliflower is one of the top superfoods, that may improve your odds for breast cancer survival. 

Posted by Mags/ From Health.com