How to calculate energy content of food in kcal

Everything we consume contains energy our bodies use to move, grow and maintain health.

What is the main source of food energy

To work out how much energy is in different foods and drinks, we need to first look at a few core concepts.

Firstly, you’ve probably heard of the units of measurement for energy – calories – as well as the metric equivalent, which is joules.

One calorie is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C.

In human nutrition, the amounts of energy needed to maintain health, and to fuel a body, are much larger than the tiny singular calories used to heat up a gram of water.

So, the term “calorie” in nutrition commonly refers to a kilocalorie (or kcal), which is 1,000 calories. When you see the word “calories” on a nutrition label, it’s likely referring to kcals.

The energy stored in food and drinks is released when the body breaks down one or more of the four macronutrients inside the food (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, alcohol).

The body then uses that energy for activities such as keeping our heart beating, our lungs breathing and our muscles movin

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