Are Calorie-Negative Foods a Reality? We often come across outlandish food claims, but the notion of “calorie-negative foods” takes the cake. The idea suggests that consuming certain foods can burn more calories than they contain, implying that a modest lettuce salad with sliced cucumber and celery could equate to a calorie-free (albeit unexciting) meal. But do these mystical foods truly exist? While the concept may sound somewhat plausible, is there any scientific basis to support it? Delving into research and seeking the insights of two dietitians, let’s unravel the truth behind “calorie-negative” foods and whether that third bag of celery is truly necessary.
What Exactly are “Calorie-Negative” Foods? These purported “calorie-negative” foods are typically low in calories and high in nutrients, characterized by a rich water and fiber content, as explained by Registered Dietitian, Katherine Hottel. Common examples include celery, cucumber, grapefruit, and lettuce. According to Health Coach and Registered Dietitian Jessica Cording, these foods are termed as negative-calorie due to the belief that they require more calories to eat, digest, and metabolize than they actually provide. However, the evidence to support this notion is lacking. Cording states, “There really isn’t enough data to confirm the existence of negative-calorie foods,” a sentiment shared by Hottel, who dismisses the idea of foods subtracting calories from the body as mere fantasy.
Why is this Myth Debunked? The notion that consuming foods like celery could result in negative calorie expenditure is debunked by the limited impact of food digestion on our total calorie burn. While our bodies utilize energy for various functions such as basic survival, daily activities, movement, and food digestion, the latter accounts for only a small fraction of the calories burnt. The theory that the energy expended in digesting a stick of celery could outweigh its caloric content is unfounded. To shed more light on this, let’s examine the case of lizards:
The Lizard Experiment In a study conducted in 2019, researchers fed lizards a diet consisting solely of celery for a specific period. The study meticulously measured the caloric intake from the celery and the energy expenditure of the lizards. Ultimately, the findings revealed that the lizards eliminated a significant portion of the ingested energy through excretion, with a slight energy loss through basal metabolic functions, resulting in a net energy gain. This indicates that consuming celery did not lead to a negative calorie balance for the lizards, questioning the validity of such claims for humans.
Is there any Value in Consuming “Calorie-Negative Foods”? While the concept of negative-calorie foods has been debunked, there are still numerous benefits to incorporating these nutrient-rich options into our diet. As Cording emphasizes,
Many of these foods are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are beneficial for our health. If you are looking to shed some pounds, it is worth noting that increasing your fiber intake can help you feel more satisfied. Additionally, as a devoted celery enthusiast, it is worth mentioning that these foods are not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. Imagine a summer without a refreshing cucumber salad or a platter of buffalo wings without crunchy celery sticks.
