Kaloriinnehåll

Kaloriinnehåll refers to the energy content of food and drinks, measured in calories. A calorie is a unit of energy. In nutrition, it's understood as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Food items contain energy that our bodies use for vital functions such as breathing, circulation, digestion, and physical activity.

The primary sources of calories in food are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Carbohydrates and proteins provide approximately 4 calories per gram, while fats provide about 9 calories per gram. Alcohol also contributes calories, around 7 calories per gram. The specific calorie content of a food item depends on its composition of these macronutrients.

Understanding calorie content is important for managing energy balance. Consuming more calories than the body expends leads to weight gain, while consuming fewer calories than expended results in weight loss. Nutritional labels on food products typically list the calorie content per serving, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their diet. Different food preparation methods can also influence calorie content; for example, frying food often adds calories due to the absorption of cooking oil.