Vegetables That Promote Weight Loss

Vegetables That Promote Weight Loss
Photo Credit celery image by Hilma Anderson from Fotolia.com

In the United States, 66 percent of adults are either overweight or obese. Working to achieve a healthy weight is not always easy. It requires a lifestyle change with healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Not only does it make you feel better, but it also reduces your cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels to prevent weight-related conditions like heart disease, arthritis and diabetes, MedlinePlus reports. Supplementing your diet with vegetables that promote weight loss can help keep you on your path of healthy living.

Celery

MayoClinic.com defines celery as a negative calorie food, which can aid in weight loss. Although it doesn't contain negative calories, as all foods have a caloric value, it is composed mostly of water and cellulose. Celery takes more caloric energy to burn than the caloric intake of the vegetable itself. For example, you can burn 80 calories by digesting a 25-calorie piece of celery. The cellulose is also a excellent source of insoluble fiber, which quickly moves through the digestive tract to push out accumulated debris and toxins contributing to weight loss.

Artichokes

A medium artichoke contains only 120 calories with an ample amount of fiber, coming in at 10.3 g, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Laboratory. Artichokes contain flavonoid constituents, which are antioxidants helpful in warding off free-radical damage caused by metabolism and the environment. The leaves of artichokes also help to lower cholesterol, according to Drugs.com. Additionally, artichoke contains potassium, vitamin C, trace minerals and carotenoids, which all optimize the body's health for effective weight loss.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

The most efficient and widely acknowledged weight-loss aids are dark green leafy vegetables. This includes spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale and romaine lettuce, which MayoClinic.com says are forms of negative calorie foods. This is mostly due to the high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber present in the leaves and stalks of these vegetables. These compounds quickly move through the body to eliminate build-up of improperly digested food that accumulates within the digestive tract. It also makes you feel full so you avoid overeating. These veggies also contain high amounts of vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium, iron and folate -- all helpful in cleansing the body and promoting your weight-loss goal.

References

Article reviewed by RayF Last updated on: Oct 10, 2010

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