So what is a calorie (cal)? What is a
kilocalorie(Kcal) ?
I will keep it pretty simple. A calorie is the amount of heat that is
required to raise one cubic centimeter of water one degree.
A kilocalorie is the amount of heat that is required to raise one
kilogram of water one degree.
How about a carbohydrate, what is a
carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates are made up of carbon and water. Atoms of
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen form carbohydrate compounds
such as sugar and starch. There are five types of carbohydrate
sugars, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose and lactose.
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy and in
fact your brain needs a constant supply of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose by the body and as
you may know, is absorbed into the blood stream. It can also be
stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen.
You need about 40 – 50 per cent of your diet to be made up of
carbohydrates for good health.
