This article explains what calories are and how they compare with kcal and kJ as well as how to convert between the two. A large calorie estimates the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg 2. On the other hand, a small calorie estimates the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of 1 gram 0.
Instead, the terms calories — capitalized or not — and kcal are used interchangeably and refer to the same amount of energy in relation to food or energy burned with exercise. One calorie kcal equals 4.
To convert from calories to kJ, multiple calories by 4. Conversely, to convert from kJ to calories, divide kJ by 4. For example, a medium-sized banana grams provides calories kcal or kJ 2.
When it comes to nutrition and exercise, kilocalories kcal and calories equal the same amount of energy. Calories may also be expressed as kilojoules kJ , with one calorie or kcal equaling 4.
Regulations require that food and beverage manufacturers display a nutrition facts label on their products. It lists, among other information, the amount of energy the item contains per serving or weight 3. For more information on weight loss, download the NHS weight loss plan , our free 12 week diet and exercise plan.
You should get advice from the GP if you're underweight your body mass index is less than To gain weight, you need to eat more calories than your body uses each day. For more information, see How can I gain weight safely? Page last reviewed: 24 October Next review due: 24 October Home Common health questions Food and diet Back to Food and diet. The calorie content described on food labels refers to kilocalories. A calorie chocolate bar actually contains , calories.
The United States government states that the average man needs 2, kcal per day and the average woman needs 2, kcal per day. Not everybody needs the same number of calories each day. People have different metabolisms that burn energy at different rates, and some people have more active lifestyles than others.
The human body needs calories to survive. Without energy, the cells in the body would die, the heart and lungs would stop, and the organs would not be able to carry out the basic processes needed for living. People absorb this energy from food and drink. If people consumed only the number of calories needed every day, they would probably have healthy lives.
Calorie consumption that is too low or too high will eventually lead to health problems. The number of calories in food tells us how much potential energy they contain. It is not only calories that are important, but also the substance from which the calories are taken. As an example, here is the breakdown of how a person would get calories from one cup of large eggs , weighing g:.
As people get older, they tend to get fewer of their daily calories from fast foods. Fast foods make up only 6 percent of the daily calorie intake of older adults. However, with the number of highly calorific meals served in restaurants or aimed at younger individuals, it is important that people pay close attention to where they get their calories. When they reach puberty, girls need more calories than before, but they tend to need fewer calories than boys.
As boys enter puberty, they may need as many as 2, to 3, calories per day, especially if they are very active. But whether they are girls or boys, kids who are active and move around a lot need more calories than kids who don't.
If you eat more calories than you need, the body changes extra calories to fat. Too much fat can lead to being overweight and other health problems. Only your doctor can say if you are overweight, so check with him or her if you're concerned.
And never go on a diet without talking to your doctor!. High-calorie foods — such as sugary sodas, candy, and fast food — quickly add up to too many calories. Instead, eat a healthy, balanced diet.
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