What is a Calorie?
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What is a Calorie?
A calorie (or a kilocalorie or kcal of 1000 calories) is a measurement of energy. We consume calories in food. We expend calories during activity and in maintaining normal body functions.
Calories come from carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol. Calories do not come from vitamins or minerals, but vitamins and minerals have key roles in processing calories from food.
The number of kilo-calories per gram of the main macro nutrients. Notice that Fat and Alcohol are more calorie dense per gram.
Calories come from carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol. Calories do not come from vitamins or minerals, but vitamins and minerals have key roles in processing calories from food.
The number of kilo-calories per gram of the main macro nutrients. Notice that Fat and Alcohol are more calorie dense per gram.
How many calories you need each day depends on your
- age
- height
- weight
- gender
- amount of body muscle
- amount of daily physical activity
Watch
Watch the following video, which presents more depth and detail on calories and their purpose.