Calorie: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'calorie' comes from the Latin word 'calor' which means heat, highlighting its role in energy.
• It was first defined in the early 19th century by French physicist Nicolas Clément as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

Science

• There are two types of calories: small calories (cal) and large calories (kcal), with 1 kcal being equivalent to 1,000 small calories.
• The human body needs a specific number of calories each day to function properly, which can vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism.

Nutrition

• Different foods provide different amounts of calories; fats provide more than carbohydrates and proteins.
• Caloric balance is crucial for maintaining weight: consuming more calories than you burn leads to weight gain, while burning more than you consume leads to weight loss.

Pop Culture

• The concept of counting calories gained popularity in the 1930s and is often featured in diet and fitness regimens today.
• Calorie counts on food labels have become standard in many countries, helping consumers make informed dietary choices.

Health

• An understanding of calories is key in addressing obesity, as it helps people manage their food intake.
• In recent years, there has been a shift to focus not only on calories but also on the quality of the food, advocating for nutritious, whole foods over processed options.

With rank #16,025, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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