Final answer:
The four macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, fats/oils, and water. Proteins and carbohydrates provide approximately 4 Calories per gram, while fats/oils offer about 9 Calories per gram. Water does not provide energy but is essential for bodily functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Macronutrients and Their Caloric Content
The macronutrients in food consist of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats (or oils), which the body requires in large amounts for energy and other physiological functions. When it comes to energy content per gram, proteins provide approximately 4 Calories, which is the same caloric contribution as carbohydrates. On the other hand, fats and oils deliver about 9 Calories per gram. This means that fats are more than twice as calorie-dense as proteins and carbohydrates. Water, while also considered a macronutrient, does not provide any calories.
Caloric Content per Gram
- Proteins: 4 Calories/gram
- Carbohydrates: 4 Calories/gram
- Fats/Oils: 9 Calories/gram
Nutritional labels on food packages can help individuals track their intake of these macronutrients by indicating the caloric content per serving, in addition to the proportion of calories that come from each macronutrient type. The calories or energy content of a food item is measured in Calories, or internationally in kilojoules, with 1 Calorie being the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Notably, while macronutrients serve the body as energy sources, they also play vital roles in growth, repair, and other bodily functions.