Question

Define and give an example Empty calories

Answer 1

Calories are significant for a balanced diet. It is recommended to take 2000 calories per day which varies according to individual to individual.

Those foods as well as drinks which have no or very less essential nutrient but are rich in calories are known as empty calories. Basically these food as well as drinks is rich in fat, oil and alcohol. By the intake of these foods, one can get the energy but will get very less nutrients, vitamins, protein, fiber, fatty acid as well as minerals.

Fat gives nine calories per gram, ethanol given seven calories and sugar giver fur calories.

By the consumption of these items results in the weight gain, bad health as well as deficiency in nutrients.

As per few studies conducted, it was concluded that 40-50% of the calories present in the children of age 2-18 in US takes empty calories. Children are at a higher risk of getting the harmful effect of these empty calories and are advised to take healthy food which is poor in empty calories.

It is recommended that everyone should look into food labels for sugar as well as fat level before taking any food items. One should avoid taking snacks, processed food as well as sweetened dinks to avoid the consumption of empty calories.

Mainly food rich in fat, sugar and alcohol are rich in empty calories –

Sugar – This is the most common type of empty calories. Eg: soft drinks, processed food, street food.

Fat – There are several types of fats which are considered as empty calories. These are in solid state at room temperature known as saturated fats. Eg: pizza, butter, processed meat, cakes, pastries rich in cream, cookies.

Alcohol – Beer, wine,

Above mentioned food is said to have empty calories and one should avoid the intake of such food items on a regular basis.