Tag: Eating wood

Did you know that humans cannot digest the cellulose that makes up most wood? Contrary to misconceptions, the answer to how much wood is safe to eat is virtually none in its raw, untreated form, as ingesting it can lead to significant health complications. This guide explores the dangers of ingesting untreated wood and clarifies its safe, limited presence as refined cellulose in some processed foods.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), dried wood can yield up to 4770 Kcal per kilogram when burned, but this energy is completely inaccessible to humans. The short answer to 'Is wood high in calories?' from a dietary perspective is no, because our bodies cannot digest its primary components to extract any usable energy.

Approximately 30% of all plant cell walls are made of cellulose, the primary component of wood, which humans cannot digest. Given this fact, can you eat a little bit of wood without harm, or is it a dangerous idea? While a very small, smooth piece may pass without issue, ingesting wood is not recommended and carries several health risks.