Kilocalorie
Definition
A kilocalorie is a unit of energy that measures the amount of energy food provides to the body, often referred to as a calorie in dietary contexts.
Scientific / Technical Definition
A kilocalorie, equivalent to 1,000 calories, is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. It is commonly used to quantify the energy content in food and energy expenditure in human metabolism.
Benefits
- Provides the necessary energy for daily bodily functions and activities.
- Helps maintain proper metabolic rates.
- Essential for growth, repair, and maintaining overall health.
Examples
- A medium apple contains about 95 kilocalories.
- A slice of bread has approximately 80 kilocalories.
- A cup of cooked rice contains around 200 kilocalories.
Additional Information
- Importance: Kilocalories are crucial for sustaining life, enabling us to perform physical activities, and maintaining body temperature.
References
Last updated: 10/26/2024