Currently, a seven-day slimming soup, also known as "witch's soup," is quite popular online for weight loss, and it's said to be effective for some obese people. The preparation method is very simple, and many dieters are eager to try it. But is this "witch's soup" weight loss method scientific and feasible?
Witch's Soup—the name itself is enough to send chills down your spine. But is its weight-loss effect really as miraculous as the internet claims?
First, let's set aside the scientific validity and feasibility of this "witch's soup" weight loss method and analyze the ingredients and preparation method. The ingredients for this "witch's soup" are: 2-3 large tomatoes, 1 whole cabbage, 2 green peppers, 1 small bunch of celery, and 2 onions. The method is to cook all the ingredients in a large pot until all the vegetables are soft, adding only salt and no oil. Aside from a few recommended fruits and vegetables to eat daily, drink the soup whenever you feel hungry, and don't eat the solids. The total energy provided by all the ingredients is approximately 560 kcal. However, 95% of the nutrients are in the solids, so we must question the nutritional value of this large pot of "witch's soup."
Furthermore, "Witch's Soup" claims to contain abundant fiber and vitamins, effectively lowering cholesterol, breaking down fat, clearing the digestive system, and detoxifying the body. Whether these effects are true or not becomes clear with a little analysis. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which can regulate lipid metabolism and lower serum cholesterol levels. However, lycopene is a fat-soluble substance and cannot be released into soup without oil, nor can it be absorbed and utilized by the body. In addition, the fiber in tomatoes, cabbage, green peppers, celery, and onions is mostly insoluble fiber, essentially not soluble in water or soup. Therefore, the seemingly magical "Witch's Soup" is no different from a pot of plain water, at best a pot of vegetable washing water.
The "witch's soup" weight loss method's precautions also mention that for obese individuals, the chili peppers must be very spicy, enough to make the whole body feel hot and sweaty. Indeed, eating chili peppers easily leads to sweating, and even a little spice can make one feel full. However, the ability to tolerate spiciness is related to one's living environment and individual constitution. Some people's physical condition and living environment cannot adapt to the stimulation of chili peppers, and irritation of the gastric mucosa may lead to stomach bleeding.
Dietary therapy for obese patients can be divided into three categories: fasting (1200-1800 kcal), low-calorie therapy (600-1200 kcal), and very low-calorie therapy (200-600 kcal). The first two are suitable for mild to moderate obesity. Very low-calorie therapy is suitable for severe and malignant obesity. Patients undergoing very low-calorie therapy often require hospitalization and close observation by a doctor. While very low-calorie therapy shows significant weight loss in the short term, more than half of patients experience substantial weight rebound after treatment. Furthermore, when calorie intake is below 1200 kcal, it is difficult to guarantee the supply of essential nutrients, and it is also difficult to maintain in practice. The "witch's soup" weight loss method is essentially very low-calorie therapy; long-term use may lead to anemia, abnormal liver function, severe electrolyte imbalances, especially hypocalcemia, and arrhythmia.
Therefore, it is clear that the currently popular "witch's soup" weight loss method is not a scientific weight loss method.
