Learn about energy
Where do we get energy?
Most of what we eat and drink provides our bodies with energy. Energy is required to fuel bodily processes (metabolism) and physical activity. If we consume more energy than we use for metabolism and physical activity, the excess is stored as body fat.
Protein, fats and carbohydrates are converted into energy in different quantities. Vitamins and minerals are also essential nutrients for the body, but they are not converted into energy.
Energy is measured in kilojoules (kJ)
Energy Content
| 1 gram of protein | 17 kJ |
| 1 gram of fat | 37kJ |
| 1 gram of carbohydrates | 17kJ |
| 1 gram of dietary fibre | 8kJ |
| 1 gram of alcohol | 29kJ |
These values are sourced from the Food Standards Code Standard 1.2.8, [how the energy content of a food is calculated]
