kilokalorin

Kilokalori, often abbreviated as kcal, is a unit of energy. It is equivalent to 1,000 calories. In the context of nutrition, kilokalories are commonly used to measure the energy content of food and beverages. When people refer to "calories" on food labels, they are almost always referring to kilokalories. This unit is derived from the calorie, which is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. Therefore, a kilokalori is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius.

The energy provided by food in the form of kilokalories is crucial for bodily functions, including metabolism, physical activity, and maintaining body temperature. Different macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – provide varying amounts of energy per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins typically provide about 4 kilokalories per gram, while fats provide about 9 kilokalories per gram. Understanding kilokalorie intake and expenditure is a fundamental aspect of managing weight and maintaining a healthy diet. The energy balance, the relationship between kilokalories consumed and kilokalories burned, determines whether an individual gains, loses, or maintains body weight.