13 Low Fat Foods That Are Good For Your Health (2024)

Many low fat foods, such as leafy greens, fruits, and legumes, are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. Some have also been associated with health benefits and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

Restricting your fat intake is generally unnecessary if you’re following a healthy, balanced diet.

However, under certain circ*mstances, limiting the amount of fat in your diet may be beneficial.

For example, low fat diets are recommended if you’re recovering from gallbladder surgery, trying to prevent heartburn, or improving cholesterol levels.

Here are 13 low fat foods that are good for your health.

Leafy greens, such as kale, collards, and spinach, contain virtually no fat and are loaded with beneficial minerals and vitamins, including:

• calcium
• potassium
• folate
• vitamin A
• vitamin K

They’re especially rich in certain plant compounds shown to reduce inflammation in your body.

Not surprisingly, studies suggest that diets high in leafy greens may protect against certain conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Common leafy greens include:

• kale
• spinach
• arugula
• collard greens
• Swiss chard
• romaine lettuce

Fresh leafy greens can be added to salads or smoothies. For a wholesome side dish, try steaming or sautéing them with your favorite herbs and spices.

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Leafy greens contain virtually no fat and plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research suggests that diets rich in leafy greens may prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Fruits are an excellent option if you’re looking for a sweet, low fat snack. Almost all fruits are low in fat and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

They’re also particularly rich in plant compounds. In fact, many of these beneficial plant compounds are responsible for fruits’ vibrant colors.

In addition, certain plant compounds are known to be potent antioxidants.

In your body, antioxidants guard against harmful, unstable molecules known as free radicals. Cellular damage from free radicals is linked to aging, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and other conditions.

Fortunately, many studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables can reduce free radical damage due to their high antioxidant content.

Fruits can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. Try adding them to smoothies and salads or eating them with various dips.

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Fruits are sweet, low fat foods loaded with antioxidants, which protect your cells against free radical damage.

Legumes — also known as pulses — are a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas, and lentils.

They’re low in fat and contain no cholesterol. What’s more, they’re high in:

• fiber
• protein
• B vitamins
• magnesium
• zinc
• iron

Due to their highly nutritious profile, beans and legumes offer several health benefits.

Research also shows that they may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as manage blood sugar levels.

Additionally, regular consumption of beans and legumes may help manage weight and aid weight loss, as the high amounts of fiber can keep you feeling fuller longer.

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Beans and legumes are low in fat and packed with protein and fiber. Research shows that diets high in beans and legumes may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as aid weight loss and blood sugar management.

The sweet potato is a hearty, low fat root vegetable. In fact, one medium sweet potato only contains roughly 0.1 grams (g) of fat.

Besides being low in fat, sweet potatoes provide several vitamins and minerals including:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• B vitamins
• potassium
• manganese

Their bright orange color is due to high amounts of beta-carotene, a plant pigment known to protect against the cell damage caused by free radicals.

Beta-carotene appears particularly beneficial for your eyes. Research suggests that diets high in beta-carotene are associated with a reduced risk of eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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The sweet potato is a low fat root vegetable packed with vitamins A and C. It’s also high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant which may reduce your risk of certain eye conditions.

Tart cherries, also known as sour or Montmorency cherries, are fat-free fruits rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols.

Tart cherries may have mental health benefits. They support an anti-fatiguing effect during periods of high cognitive demand, which is beneficial for daily tasks requiring vigilance.

They may also be beneficial for reducing blood levels of uric acid, a chemical that can trigger gout when present at high levels in the blood. Interestingly, studies have shown a link between cherry intake and a reduced risk of gout flare-ups.

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Tart cherries and their juice are fat-free and rich in plant compounds called polyphenols. This fruit may support cognitive function and could also be beneficial for gout.

Cruciferous vegetables are a robust source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and other minerals, as well as vitamins C, E, and K.

Some common cruciferous vegetables include:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• bok choy
• turnips

All of these vegetables have virtually no fat, making them an excellent addition to a low fat diet.

Alongside their nutrients, cruciferous vegetables provide sulfur-containing substances known as glucosinolates, which are responsible for the vegetables’ bitter flavor.

Glucosinolates have demonstrated anticancer effects in test-tube and animal studies.

Many observational studies in humans also link high consumption of cruciferous vegetables to a reduced risk of several cancers, including:

• bladder cancer
• breast cancer
• colon cancer
• lung cancer
• stomach cancer

Keep in mind that cooking methods can affect the number of glucosinolates available in cruciferous vegetables. You may absorb the most glucosinolates if you eat these vegetables raw, steamed, or sautéed instead of boiled.

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Cruciferous vegetables are low in fat and high in sulfur-containing substances known as glucosinolates, which may have anti-cancer effects.

Mushrooms are a delicious, fat-free food with many purported health benefits.

Interestingly, they don’t fall into any of the traditional food groups — they’re neither a fruit nor vegetable, grain, or animal product.

In fact, mushrooms are fungi used widely as food and medicine for centuries.

Common edible types of mushrooms include:

• white button
• crimini
• portobello
• shiitake
• oyster

Mushrooms’ nutrients vary by type, but all contain potassium, fiber, and various B vitamins and minerals. Certain types also contain a significant amount of vitamin D.

What’s more, mushrooms are the highest food source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant reported to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Test tube and animal research also suggest that mushrooms may strengthen your immune system and safeguard against certain cancers.

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Mushrooms are fungi that contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, plus a unique, anti-inflammatory compound called ergothioneine. They may have immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting effects.

The bold flavor and aroma of garlic make it a popular ingredient. It also has few calories and almost no fat.

Throughout history, garlic has been used for medicinal purposes.

Some older researchshows that garlic may enhance your immune system and help protect against the common cold when consumed regularly. However, most studies have used supplements containing garlic extract, so it’s unclear whether consuming garlic as part of your diet could have the same effects.

Some studies also link the active compounds in garlic to reduced blood pressure and lowered cholesterol, though high amounts of garlic or concentrated supplements are needed to have an effect.

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Garlic is commonly used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Research suggests that the active compounds in garlic may help enhance your immune system and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Ancient grains are loosely defined as grains that have gone mostly unaltered for the past several hundred years, unlike more modern grains, such as wheat and corn.

Some popular ancient grains include:

• farro
• spelt
• quinoa

Though each grain has a unique nutritional profile, they’re all low in fat and packed with nutrients, such as:

• protein
• fiber
• vitamin E
• B vitamins
• zinc
• iron

It’s well known that whole grains — including ancient grains — are beneficial for your health.

For one, the high fiber content in ancient grains supports healthy digestion, keeps you feeling fuller longer, and may help manage diabetes.

Diets rich in whole grains are also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Ancient grains offer a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, and essential minerals. They may manage diabetes, reduce your risk of heart disease, promote fullness, and support a healthy digestive tract.

White, lean fish includes haddock, cod, perch, and pollock.

These types of fish are low in fat, contain very few calories, and are an excellent source of high quality protein.

One 3-ounce (oz), or 85 g, cooked serving of haddock contains around 0.5 g of fat, 76.5 calories, and 17 g of protein. Similarly, One 3-ounce (oz), or 85 g, cooked serving of pollock contains around 1 g of fat, 100 calories, and 21 g of protein.

These fish also provide several essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• vitamin B12
• phosphorus
• selenium
• niacin

Due to their mild flavors, white fish pair well with bold seasonings. They’re delicious in fish tacos or blackened, baked, or broiled.

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White, lean fish are an excellent low fat source of high quality protein. They also contain high amounts of vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and niacin.

Chicken breast is a popular, low fat food that provides an impressive amount of high quality protein in just one serving.

The breast is the leanest part of a chicken. A 3-oz (86 g) serving of roasted, skinless chicken breast contains only 3 g of fat but provides 26.7 g of protein.

Aside from protein, chicken offers large amounts of niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus.

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The breast is the leanest part of the chicken and provides an impressive amount of protein per serving. Each serving also offers high amounts of niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus.

Low fat dairy includes skim or fat-free milk and low fat varieties of yogurt and cottage cheese.

In general, dairy products are considered excellent sources of protein, several minerals, and the B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, B6, and B12.

Fortified milk is particularly rich in calcium and vitamin D — two nutrients essential for bone health.

Additionally, some yogurts contain probiotics, bacteria beneficial for gut health. Be sure to check the product label for live and active cultures.

Bear in mind that fortified soy milk and soy yogurt are also low in fat and offer similar benefits to dairy milk and yogurt.

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Fortified low fat milk is an abundant source of vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for bone health. Additionally, some low fat yogurts contain probiotics that boost your gut health.

While whole eggs are not considered a low fat food, egg whites are.

That’s because the fat and cholesterol in eggs are concentrated in the yolks.

In fact, the white from one large egg contains 0 g of fat, while a whole large egg, including the yolk, packs 4.5 g of fat.

Egg whites are also low in calories and a good source of high quality protein, making them an ideal option to reduce your daily intake of fat and calories.

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Egg whites are a low fat alternative to whole eggs since fat and cholesterol is concentrated in the yolks. The whites are virtually fat-free and provide ample amounts of protein.

Below are some commonly asked questions about healthy low fat foods.

What are the best low fat foods?

Lean fish, egg whites, leafy greens, fruit, and legumes are some examples of low fat foods.

What foods are filling but low in fat?

Beans and legumes are low in fat and contain no cholesterol but are extremely high in fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Other foods that are filling but low in fat include fruits, vegetables, and ancient grains.

What is the best low fat snack food?

According to researchers, some low-fat snacks that will keep you full are popcorn, yogurt, and prunes. With yogurt and popcorn, however, make sure you are eating a low fat or unsweetened variety.

You may be interested in a low fat diet for personal or medical reasons.

For instance, low fat diets may be recommended for digestive issues, weight loss, and certain conditions involving your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Each item on the list above is low in fat and calories and may provide many unique, science-backed health benefits.

If you’re interested in reducing your fat intake, consider incorporating these foods into your diet.