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calorie (kal´ә-re)   any of several units of heat defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius (1°C) at a specified temperature. The calorie used in chemistry and biochemistry is equal to 4.184 joules. Symbol cal. In referring to the energy content of foods it is customary to use the “large calorie,” which is equal to 1kilocalorie (kcal). From its daily intake of energy foods, the body uses only the amount it needs for energy purposes. The remainder is stored as fat. If the average adult consumes more calories than the recommended dietary allowance, they will gain weight. If consumption is less than recommended dietary allowances, the body will supplement its energy sources by drawing upon stores of fat and the person will lose weight.




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