Tápláléktermikus
Tápláléktermikus refers to the concept of food thermogenesis, which is the increase in metabolic rate that occurs after consuming food. This process is also known as the thermic effect of food (TEF) or dietary-induced thermogenesis (DIT). When we eat, our bodies expend energy to digest, absorb, and metabolize the nutrients from the food. This energy expenditure manifests as an increase in body heat. The magnitude of this thermic effect varies depending on the macronutrient composition of the meal. Proteins have the highest thermic effect, followed by carbohydrates, and then fats. This means that digesting and processing protein burns more calories than digesting and processing carbohydrates or fats. Factors such as meal size, meal frequency, and individual metabolic rate can also influence the thermic effect of food. While the thermic effect of food is a component of total daily energy expenditure, its contribution to overall weight management is generally considered to be relatively small compared to resting metabolic rate and physical activity. However, some research suggests that certain dietary strategies aimed at maximizing the thermic effect of food, such as increasing protein intake, might offer modest benefits for weight control. Understanding tápláléktermikus can provide insight into how the body utilizes energy from food.