Difference between cal and kcal

Nutrition / Food
2023-05-22T06:53:22+00:00

Difference between cal and kcal

Introduction

One of the main problems when talking about nutrition is the confusion between terms and units of measurement, especially when calories are mentioned. Are cal and kcal the same? Why are these terms used in nutrition? In this article we are going to resolve this question so that you can understand why it is important to know this difference.

What are calories?

Calories are a unit of measurement of thermal energy. They are used to measure the amount of energy that is released when a food is burned. This energy is used to maintain vital body functions, such as breathing and blood circulation, but also to carry out any physical or mental activity, including digesting food.

What are cal and kcal?

Calories are measured in smaller units called small calories (cal), however, in nutrition Kilocalories (kcal) are used to express the energy contained in foods. One kcal is equivalent to 1000 cal, which means that If an apple has 50 kcal, this means it contains 50.000 small calories.

Why are kcal used?

The reason kcal is used instead of cal is because the amount of energy we need to perform our daily activities is very high and would be difficult to calculate in small calorie units, so it is easier to work with kcal.

How are they calculated?

To calculate the kcal you need per day, the ideal would be to visit a nutritionist who can help you make the precise calculation based on your age, height, weight, physical activity and energy expenditure. However, there is a general formula that can be used:

Formula:

TuMB = 10 x weight in kg + 6,25x height in cm – 5 x age in years + activity factor*

* The activity factor is calculated based on the physical activity carried out and can vary between 1,2 (not very active) to 2,5 (very active).

Conclusion

Although calories and kcal refer to the same thing, it is important to know the differences between the two. The next time you review the nutritional information of a food, be sure to check the kcal amount so you have a clearer idea of ​​how much energy you are going to consume. Remember that a balanced diet and an active life are the keys to staying healthy.

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