There are many types of dietary nutrients available in the food we consume. Some of the well-known food products available include carbohydrates, calories, protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. It is important to underline that all the foods shown above have a large number of differences regarding their health impact on the body.
This essay will focus on showing the difference between carbohydrates and calories as some of the food nutrients are closely related to the energy level in our body.
What are Calories?
Calorie is a term used to describe a measure of the energy present in food. A unit of measurement used to describe the amount of energy present in food and other products that humans consume as a source of energy and other nutrients. Calories are very important in our body because they play an important role in body functions while at the same time ensuring that the body performs specific tasks while it is resting.
What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrate is a term used in the food industry to refer to organic compounds that are formed when oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen are chemically combined. It is important to note that the only purpose of carbohydrates in the body is that they are broken down to release energy which helps humans to perform various tasks. Some carbohydrates include sugar, starch, and cellulose.
Difference Between Carbohydrates and Calories
Foods That Contain Carbohydrates and Calories
One of the main differences between calories and carbohydrates is the food they contain. It should be noted that some foods contain larger amounts of carbohydrates while others contain significant amounts of calories.
It’s also important to highlight that all foods contain calories, but not all foods contain carbohydrates. Calories are significantly present in peanut butter, candy, cheese, fried foods, processed meats, and sausages. Animal fats, vegetables, and fish oils are also considered rich sources of calories. On the other hand, carbohydrates are found in a large number of foods, including cereals, noodles, potatoes, breads, fruits, and soft drinks.
Recommended Amount for Carbs and Calories
According to medical practitioners, all nutrients are recommended for maximum growth of the body’s vital organs and to prevent the body from health problems. However, consumption of any nutrient beyond the recommended levels can lead to health challenges. One of the main differences between calories and carbohydrates is the recommended amount for intake.
In the United States, the recommended calorie intake for young adult men is 2,700 while the recommended daily intake for women is 2,200 calories. It is important to note that children and the elderly are required to consume fewer calories. The recommended daily intake of carbohydrates according to the United States is 225 and 325 grams per day, respectively. It is important to underline that the amount of carbohydrates is significantly reduced because carbohydrates are known to contain a lot of calories.
Health Effects of Carbohydrates and Calories
Carbohydrates and calories have a large number of health effects especially in situations where they are consumed over-the-counter. Both calories and carbohydrates have different methods used to express their health effects. Some of the health challenges associated with excessive calorie consumption include heart problems, nutritional deficiencies, chronic health problems among other health challenges that people face today.
Some of the heart problems associated with consuming excessive calories or lack of calories include blood pressure. On the other hand, excessive use of carbohydrates includes nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and ketosis.
Weight Gains and Losses with Carbs and Calories
Both calories and carbohydrates play an important role in determining a person’s weight. It is important to note that the consumption of carbohydrates causes an increase in a person’s weight while calories can increase or decrease a person’s weight. All carbohydrates consumed by the individual are converted into fat which is stored under the skin of the individual thereby causing excessive weight gain.
On the other hand, eating fewer calories and burning more than you consume leads to weight loss. On the other hand, calories can lead to weight gain where some people consume more calories than they burn. It is recommended that all individuals who wish to reduce their weight should consume fewer carbohydrates while at the same time ensuring that they burn more calories than their daily consumption.
Diabetes and Obesity with Carbs and Calories
Both diseases have increased in recent times due to uncontrolled consumption among individuals. Calories and carbohydrates play an important role in the spread or reduction of both lifestyle conditions. While calorie burning is well known for its effects in reducing obesity and reducing a person’s chances of becoming obese, excessive consumption of carbohydrates contributes significantly to obesity and diabetes conditions.
All carbohydrates consumed by a person are converted to fat which can sometimes accumulate to cause obesity. In addition, long-term, sustained consumption of carbohydrates has been associated with developing type two diabetes in the world.
Both calories and carbohydrates are important food products in our body as they help ensure that we are able to perform various bodily functions, while at the same time ensuring that cells multiply and differentiate to perform their specific functions.
However, the consumption of these food products should be under strict supervision as they have significant health effects in our body and can cause health problems which are difficult to treat thereby decreasing our lifespan.
