Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
An Instagram video claims that some food burn more calories than they provides. We fact checked it and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
In an Instagram video the claimant talks about foods that burn more calories than they contain. This claim has received 37,400 likes till we last checked. The caption reads, ‘These foods are often referred to as ‘negative calorie’ options, meaning they require more calories to digest than they provide, potentially aiding in weight loss. Including these in your diet helps in speed up the fat loss process.’
A screenshot of the Instagram post is attached below:
Fact Check
What are negative calorie foods?
Negative calorie foods are often claimed to require more energy to digest than they provide, theoretically resulting in a caloric deficit. However, the concept is oversimplified and lacks strong scientific evidence. While some low-calorie foods may contribute to weight loss, the term negative calorie is not widely accepted in the scientific community. Focus on a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle for effective weight management.
Are negative calorie foods real?
Not exactly. The notion of negative-calorie foods, claiming they burn more calories during digestion than they contribute, lacks solid scientific backing. While low-calorie foods play a role in a balanced diet, the idea of negative calories oversimplifies metabolism. There is insufficient evidence to support its validity. Weight management is better approached through a holistic strategy, including a diverse and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. Rather than relying on a single concept, a comprehensive approach is key for sustainable and effective weight control.
While the foods listed in the claimed Instagram video might be nutritious, but they do have calories. Also, there is no solid evidence to support the claim that they require more energy to digest than they actually provide.
Moreover, an idea also exist that the energy used while chewing might contribute to the negative-calorie concept. However, research suggests that the extra calories burned during chewing are quite minimal and likely not significant.
When it comes to digesting food, our body does use some calories for the process. But the calories burned during digestion are generally less than the calories present in the food. This energy expenditure is a small percentage of the calories eaten, and it varies for carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Most foods claimed to be negative-calorie are high in water and carbs, with little fat or protein. While it is true they require some energy to digest, it is not likely significantly higher than other carbohydrate-based foods. However, this aspect has not been studied extensively.
Does fibre in some fruits and vegetables burn more calories than they contain?
Not exactly. Both fruits and vegetables contain calories. But it is not that the calories expended in eating, digesting, and processing them exceed the calories they provide. The fiber in some fruits and veggies can make your body work a bit more to digest it. This is because our bodies cannot fully break down fiber. This extra effort the body puts into digesting fiber is like a small workout for the digestive system. However, the extra calories burned are not huge or visible. The main benefit of fiber is keeping the digestion healthy and help people feel full. So, eating fruits and veggies having fiber is good for health.
How misinformation about food fools people?
Misinformation about food can deceive people by promoting oversimplified or inaccurate ideas, leading to misguided dietary choices. False claims, such as the concept of negative-calorie foods or magical weight loss solutions, can create unrealistic expectations and massive spread of wrong information. This misinformation may perpetuate fad diets and pseudoscience, impacting individuals’ overall well-being. To make informed decisions, it is crucial to rely on evidence-based information from reputable sources. Falling for incomplete misinformation can lead to disappointment, health risks, and ineffective weight management strategies.
We have previously fact checked numerous pieces of misinformation related to losing weight, fat burning and reducing belly fat.
Dr. Swati Dave, a Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition, warns against weight loss misinformation online, likening it to a viral spread of quick fixes and false claims. Deceptive content with unrealistic promises can lead to ineffective or harmful practices, hindering healthy weight loss. Dr. Dave emphasises on the importance of critical evaluation, seeking evidence-based advice, and avoiding misleading trends without scientific support.
Can a food burn more calories than they contain?
No, a food cannot burn more calories than it contains. The calories in food represent the energy it provides when your body digests and processes it. If a food item claims to have negative calories or to burn more calories during digestion than it provides, it is generally a misconception or an exaggeration. While certain foods may require more energy to digest (like those high in fibre), they still contribute calories to your overall energy intake. This means the the actual caloric expenditure during digestion is not likely to surpass the caloric content of the food. Weight loss usually occurs when you consume fewer calories than your body uses, creating a calorie deficit.
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