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Energy - Protein - Carbohydrates - Fat

- Energy is obtained from fat, protein, carbohydrate and alcohol in food. The unit of energy is kilojoule (kJ). One kilojoule is equal to 0.239 kilocalories (kcal). Each energy nutrient has a specific ability to produce energy. The energy coefficient of fat is 37 kJ/g (9 kcal/g), protein and carbohydrate 17 kJ/g (4 kcal/g), alcohol 29 kJ/g (7 kcal/g), fiber 8 kJ/g (2 kcal/g), organic acids 13 kJ/g (3 kcal/g) and sugar alcohols 10 kJ/g (2.4 kcal/g).

- Proteins consist of a total of 20 different amino acids, ten of which the human body cannot produce itself, but must obtain from food. Amino acids act as building blocks in tissue and enzyme proteins as well as in many hormones and neurotransmitters. Protein contains 17 kJ (4 kcal) of energy per gram. Excess protein is not stored, but is converted into fat in the body.

- Carbohydrates are energy-producing substances characteristic of plant products. The body obtains glucose, or blood sugar, from absorbed carbohydrates, which produces 17 kJ/g (4 kcal) of energy in the body. Absorbable carbohydrates include sugars and starch. Sugars include mono- and disaccharides such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose and maltose.

- Fat - Total fat refers to the total amount of all fat-soluble substances contained in food. Most of the fat in food is in the form of triglycerides, but total fat also includes phospholipids and sterols. Fats act as building blocks for cells, participate in nervous system function, hormone metabolism and growth. Fat produces 37 kJ (9 kcal) of energy per gram.
The Finnish diet contains more fat than recommended.

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Energy - Protein - Carbohydrates - Fat

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