energiatartalma

Energiatartalma is a Finnish term that translates to "energy content" or "caloric value" in English. It refers to the amount of energy released when a substance undergoes a chemical reaction, typically combustion, or is metabolized by an organism. In the context of food, energiatartalma indicates the energy that the body can derive from consuming it, usually measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ).

The energy content of food is determined by the proportions of macronutrients it contains: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each of these macronutrients provides a different amount of energy per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins typically provide around 4 kcal per gram, while fats provide about 9 kcal per gram. Water and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals do not contribute to the energy content.

When discussing fuels, energiatartalma refers to the energy released upon combustion. This is crucial for understanding the efficiency of different fuels, such as wood, natural gas, or gasoline. The higher the energiatartalma, the more energy can be extracted from a given amount of the substance. Understanding the energy content is fundamental in fields ranging from nutrition and dietetics to engineering and environmental science.