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Friday, November 1, 2013

Was wondering what a calorie is?

Was wondering what a calorie is?
When people talk about the calories in food, what do they mean? 
A calorie is a unit of energy. In nutrition and everyday language, calories refer to energy consumption through eating and drinking and energy usage through physical activity. For example, an apple may have 80 calories, while a 1 mile walk may use up about 100 calories.
The human body needs calories (energy) to survive, without energy our cells would die, our hearts and lungs would stop, and we would perish. We acquire this energy from food and drink.
Are Calories Bad for You?
Calories aren't bad for you. Your body needs calories for energy. But eating too many calories and not burning enough of them off through activity can lead to weight gain.
If we consume just the number of calories our body needs each day, every day, we will probably enjoy happy and healthy lives. If our calorie consumption is too low or too high, we will eventually experience health complications. Not everybody requires the same number of calories each day. Now all foods have calories and different foods have different amounts of calories. Calories are provided by fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
How the Body Uses Calories
Some people mistakenly believe they have to burn off all the calories they eat or they will gain weight. This isn't true. Your body needs some calories just to operate to keep your heart beating and your lungs breathing.
Now a days Calorie has become a household word, although exactly what a calorie does is a mystery to many.

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