Asked by: Khardiata Banza
Asked in category: healthy living, nutrition
Last Updated: 19th Apr 2024

What is the energy content of carbohydrates?

Nutrition labels
Food component Energy density
kJ/g kcal/g
Ethanol (drink alcohol) 29 7
Proteins 17 4
Carbohydrates 17 4



What is the energy content of carbohydrates?

For both sugars as well as starches, the energy value for digestible carbohydrates is 4 kcal/g. The fermentation of fiber in the stomach will result in SCFAs, which contribute calories. These SCFAs are generally 1/4 to 2 kcal/g. There have been few studies linking carbohydrates to obesity.

You may also wonder, "What are energy values?" The energy value of food is the fuel it provides to the body. This value may be lower than the heat value that can be obtained experimentally by "burning" the food in what is known as a "bomb calorimeter". Some of the energy in a food may be lost during digestion and metabolism after it is eaten.

Are carbohydrates therefore energy dense?

Energy-dense foods contain a high number of calories per portion. The energy density refers to the amount of macronutrients, such as protein, fat, carb , fiber, and water. A food with high amounts of fiber or water has a lower energy density.

What is the energy content of fats?

Fats are the fastest source of energy, but they also make the most efficient food. Each gram fat provides the body with approximately 9 calories. This is more than double what it gets from carbohydrates or proteins. Fats are an efficient source of energy and the body stores excess energy as fats.