the unit of measurement used by nutritionists to describe the energy content of food is the
A unit of heat measurement used in nutrition to measure the energy value of foods. A calorie is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1Â°C. unit of energy, defined as the energy in the form of heat that will raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Values are more often quoted in kcal (kilocalories): 1 kcal = 1000 calories = 4.2 kJ. In food, 1 g of carbohydrate or protein provides about 4 kcal and 1 g of fat, 9 kcal of energy.