Tag: Negative calories myth

Despite the persistent myth, no food is scientifically proven to have negative calories. The concept suggests that your body expends more energy digesting the food than the food itself provides, but scientific evidence refutes this claim. While a cup of raw cabbage is very low in calories, it's still a calorie-positive food, meaning it contributes to your overall energy intake.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 100g serving of raw, unpeeled cucumber contains approximately 16 calories. This low-calorie count has led many to question, 'Is a cucumber negative calories?' The short answer is no, a cucumber is not a negative-calorie food, despite a popular and persistent myth that suggests otherwise.

The idea of a food that requires more energy to digest than it provides is a popular dieting myth, but scientifically, no such food exists. The human body is incredibly efficient at extracting energy, and even the lowest-calorie foods still contribute a net positive energy gain.