Calories are simply a way to measure the energy in food and the energy released in the body. A calorie isn't a nutrient, but certain nutrients provide calories. Our body's six essential nutrients to function and grow are fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water.
Of these six nutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and fats provide calories. Each gram of carbohydrate and protein yields four calories per gram. Each gram of fat yields nine calories.
The remaining nutrients—water, minerals, and vitamins—do not provide calories.The remaining nutrients—water, minerals, and vitamins—do not provide calories.
