Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 5 : Energy-Units, Methods of Measuring Energy Value of Food

Introduction

Human beings require enough energy to lead an active and healthy life. Energy fulfils the following functions:

1. Maintenance of basal body functions (basal metabolism),
2. Physical activity,
3. Growth and development in infants and children and maintenance of pregnancy and lactation in women.

The energy value of Foods: The energy or calorific value of foods depends on the quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins present in them. This can be determined by oxidizing a known weight of food in an instrument called ‘Bomb calorimeter’ and measuring the heat produced.