kilokalória

The kilokaloría, commonly referred to as a kilocalorie (symbol: kcal), is a unit of energy used primarily in nutrition and food science. It represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. In scientific contexts, the equivalent metric unit is the joule, where 1 kilokalorie equals approximately 4.184 kilojoules.

The term "kilokalorie" originates from the calorie, which itself is derived from the Latin *calor*, meaning "heat." Originally, a calorie was defined as the energy needed to heat one gram of water by one degree Celsius. The prefix "kilo-" distinguishes the kilokalorie from the smaller calorie, which is now called a "small calorie" or "gram calorie" (symbol: cal). One kilokalorie equals 1,000 small calories.

In dietary contexts, kilokalories are used to quantify the energy content of food and beverages. The term "calorie" on food labels typically refers to kilokalories, though this can sometimes be confusing due to the dual meaning of "calorie." The kilokalorie is also used in physiology to describe the energy expenditure of the human body, often measured in kilokalories per day.

The kilokalorie is part of the metric system and is widely used alongside the joule in scientific and nutritional applications. While the joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI), the kilokalorie remains practical for everyday dietary reference.