What Type Of Energy Is Gained By Your Body When You Eat Food?

Food provides calories that give the body energy to engage in everything from metabolic processes like breathing, digestion and blinking to everyday movements and more strenuous physical activity. Each person needs a different amount of energy from food, and the more active a person is, the more calories he will need to maintain his activities.

Macronutrients

Energy comes from foods through the three macronutrients; carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates and protein provide 4 calories of energy per g, while fat provides 9 calories per g. Carbohydrates get broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream, while fat supplies energy to the heart and provides reserve stores in the body. Protein represents a longer-lasting form of energy because it is broken down slowly and used for fuel primarily when total calorie intake is too low and energy cannot be drawn from carbohydrates. The USDA recommends consuming 45 to 65 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent from fat and roughly 10 to 15 percent from proteins.

Energy for Physical Activities

The body uses a mix of macronutrient sources for energy, but generally draws on simple carbohydrates like fruit and sugar to fuel short bursts of anaerobic activity like a sprint. Complex carbs, fat and some levels of protein fuel longer and more moderate aerobic activities such as a distance run or a long swim.

Energy for Metabolic Activities

Due to genetics, weight, height, sex and health status, each person needs a minimum amount of calories to maintain daily metabolic processes. Nutritionists generally recommend women not consume fewer than 1,200 calories and men no fewer than 1,500 calories per day. Metabolic process that require energy from food include breathing, sleeping, digestion, cell turnover and other internal bodily functions.

Food Energy Quality

Not all food provides equal-quality energy. There are certain foods such as colorful vegetables and unprocessed whole grains that provide more nutrient for their energy content. Foods such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, legumes, green leafy vegetables and fruits are encouraged as the foundation of a healthy diet. Processed foods with high sugar content supply only quick bursts of energy without the fiber needed to maintain satiety.