What type of fats or oils holds more energy than carbohydrates?

Prepare for the Canadian National Institute of Health Entrance Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam and advance in your academic journey at the CNIH!

Saturated fats are known to hold more energy than carbohydrates due to their chemical structure. Fats, including saturated fats, contain long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms, leading to a higher energy density compared to carbohydrates, which are made up of shorter chains of carbon and involve oxygen in their structure, making them less energy-dense.

When we look specifically at the energy content, fats provide about 9 calories per gram, whereas carbohydrates provide about 4 calories per gram. This means that saturated fats can provide more than double the amount of energy per gram compared to carbohydrates. This high energy content is why fats are an essential component of a balanced diet and an important energy source for the body, especially during prolonged physical activity when energy demands are high.

The other options involve macronutrients that do not serve as energy sources with the same efficiency as saturated fats. Proteins, for example, also provide energy but are primarily used for building and repairing tissues rather than serving as a quick energy supply. Unsaturated fats, while also energy-dense, still do not match the energy concentration of saturated fats. Carbohydrates, while crucial for quick energy, are significantly lower in energy density compared to saturated fats. Hence, the immense energy-holding capacity of

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