Calorie

Definition

A calorie is a unit of energy that measures the amount of energy food provides to the body. It is scientifically defined as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

Related terms

Metabolism:

The biochemical process by which organisms convert food into energy or building blocks and eliminate waste.

Nutrient: Substances in food that provide energy, structure, and regulation necessary for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body’s tissues.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and keeping warm