Our body needs energy for its metabolic and physiological functions. It draws energy from food and its key nutrients: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The energy intake of food from food must meet the requirements to achieve and maintain optimal health, physical function and well-being.


Body requirements are the amount of food energy needed to maintain the essential physical activity in accordance with body size, body composition and long-term health. Dietary energy requirements are not considered separate from other nutrients in the diet. If one is missing, it affects other nutrients. Therefore, energy requirements must be met by eating foods that meet all the nutrient requirements.

Mitochondria are found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, cells with well-defined nuclei. Their main function is to produce large amounts of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The number of mitochondrial cells per cell varies greatly.

ATP, the energy-carrying molecule can be seen in all living cells. When ATP breaks down, energy is released and can be used for cell work. ATP is like a rechargeable battery that powers cell processes because it breaks down and reshapes easily.

ATP is often referred to as the "molecular unit of currency" for intracellular energy transfer. ATP captures the energy derived from the breakdown of food and fuels it for cellular processes. Our bodies reproduce and recycle our weight equivalent to ATP every day.


Daily energy requirements-

There is only a small amount of ATP in the body. Therefore, a lot of energy storage is needed to back up. Daily energy requirements depend on a person's daily energy consumption and metabolic energy requirements. It depends on weight and activity level.

The energy we get from fuel to food is measured in kilojoules. Fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the diet all provide energy.

The basic energy consumption of the human body is 4 kg/kg body weight per day. Therefore, a person's basic energy consumption can be calculated as follows.

Total energy consumption = body weight (kg) x 4 kJ x 24 hour / day / 4.18 kg

Divide by 4.18 kJ (1 kcal = 4.18 kJ) to convert the total energy consumption value into kilocalories. This calculation represents the daily energy consumption.

Individual energy requirements depend on age, sex, body size and activity level. Excessive food intake, which is not used as energy, can be stored as fat in the body. Excess fat storage can lead to a higher body mass index (BMI).

BMI refers to a person's body fat and is determined by the height and weight of the person. For adults, the most commonly recommended BMI is 19 to 24. Excess BMI can lead to illness and health problems. To achieve the ideal BMI, a person's energy intake should not exceed the energy burned on a regular basis.


Energy balance

Energy balance is the relationship between the number of calories consumed by the body through food and drink and the calories used in our body for our daily energy needs.

When you intake more calories than you are in a positive energy balance. When you eat fewer calories than you consume, you are in a negative energy balance. Your energy balance affects your metabolism, hormonal balance and mood.

Negative energy balance leads to weight loss. The body detects energy shortages and fat deposits are tried to compensate for the difference. Positive energy balance has significant implications not only for weight gain but also for health and fitness.


Conclusion

Our body's metabolism and physical functions require the energy produced by the food we eat. The mitochondria found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells produce a large amount of energy in the form of ATP. Our body produces its own weight equivalent to ATP every day. Individual energy requirements depend on age, sex, body size and activity level.


Reference: By Dr. Pran Rangan