Calories
Calories are a unit of measurement used to determine the amount of energy contained in food and drinks. Calories are essential to provide the body with the energy needed to perform daily activities and maintain vital functions.
Types of calories:
Calories from food: Refers to the amount of energy that can be obtained from eating food and drinks.
Calories burned: Relates to the amount that the body uses during various activities, including physical activity and vital processes such as breathing and digestion.
Importance of calories:
Energy balance: The body needs a balance between calories consumed and calories burned to maintain a healthy weight.
Weight gain: Occurs when more calories are consumed than burned.
Weight loss: Occurs when more calories are burned than consumed.
Sources of calories:
Calories come from three main groups of nutrients:
Carbohydrates: Provide about 4 calories per gram.
Proteins: Also provide about 4 calories per gram.
Fat: Provide about 9 calories per gram, making it the densest source of energy.
It is important to choose nutrient-rich foods to achieve a healthy balance and maintain proper energy levels.
