There were lots of foods contain substances other than vitamins and minerals which are very important for health. Known as phytochemicals, these substances are antioxidants that help to protect against coronary heart disease and cancer. Take note of the low-calorie food you should eat on a regular basis.
1. Citrus Fruits Lemons: 19kcal/100g Oranges 37kcal/100g
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are an excellent source of antioxidant bioflavonoids and vitamin C - a single fruit usually provides the recommended daily amount of 60mg per day. Oranges contain the flavonoid, hesperidin, while grapefruits contain the flavonoid naringenin. These work together with vitamin C to boost its antioxidant effectiveness, and may also have anti-cancer properties. Citrus fruits contain pectin - a soluble fibre that helps to lower a high cholesterol level. Lemons are a rich source of lemonoids and limonene - phytochemicals that protect against cancer.
2. Broccoli 33kcals/100g
Broccoli is now recognised as one of the most beneficial green vegetables, as it contains a number of phytochemicals that help to protect against cancer. It only contains 2% carbohydrate but will boost your protein, calcium and magnesium levels. It is a good source of weak plant oestrogens such as genistein, that are converted into biologically active hormone-like substances by intestinal bacteria, especially when the diet is also rich in fibre. It also contains indole-3-carbinol, a substance needed to metabolise sex hormones in the body more efficiently.
3. Carrots 35kcal/100g
Although they are only 8% carbohydrate, carrots are an exceptionally rich source of carotenoids – the yellow-orange pigments that give carrots their vibrant colour. Carotenoids have an important antioxidant action in the body. Some carotenoids such as alphacarotene and betacarotene can also be converted to vitamin A in the body and are therefore known as pro-vitamins.
4. Grapes 60kcal/100g
Black grapes have long been associated with good health and are traditionally given to hospital patients to help speed their recovery. Red and black grapes contain powerful, antioxidant pigments (eg anthocyanidins, resveratrol) that are believed to contribute to the beneficial cardiovascular properties of red wine plus ellagic acid, which has anti-cancer properties. They provide useful amounts of potassium and trace minerals such as boron, magnesium and copper.
5. Chillis 20kcal/100g
Eating chillies stimulates production of natural painkillers (endorphins) in the brain and mucus in the stomach, which may protect against peptic ulcers. Chillies contain antioxidants, including capsaicin, that also protect against coronary heart disease, cancer and premature ageing. Phytochemicals in chilli peppers thin the blood to reduce the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels. Good source of betacarotene and vitamin C.
6. Mango 57kcal/100g
Mangoes are an excellent source of carotenoids, some of which the body can convert to vitamin A. Some varieties of mango contain as much as 3g carotenoid pigments per 100g flesh. Mangoes also contain good amounts of vitamin C and fibre, plus useful amounts of potassium and vitamin E.
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