What Is kJ, How Do I Measure It & What Foods Can I Find It In?
kJ, or kilojoules is a unit of energy widely used in nutrition.
Kilojoules are the metric measurement of calories.
When we eat and drink, we put energy into our bodies.
Our bodies use up that energy through everyday movement.
Every cell in our body requires energy to function at its optimal capacity. We need to nourish our bodies right.
If we don’t get enough nutrients that calories provide, there will be negative consequences.
Table of Contents
kJ Means Kilojoule
kJ means kilojoules. It is one way to measure the amount of energy there is in a food or drink.
Food energy is used to meet the body's needs for protein synthesis, maintenance of body temperature, cardiac output, respiration, and muscle function. (source ◳)
Measure kJ
There are two ways to measure the amount of energy there is in a food or drink by kilocalories, KCAL or kilojoules, kJ. (source ◳)
You can convert kilocalories to kilojoules by multiplying the calories by 4.2, which makes 100 kcals = 420 kJ. (source ◳)
Where Does The Energy Come From?
The energy we consume comes from carbohydrates, protein, fats, and alcohol. (source ◳)
More than 95% of food's energy is digested and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract to provide the body's energy needs. (source ◳)
Foods You Can Find kJ (Energy) In
You find kJ (Energy) mostly in fats and oils, American Indian and Alaska native food, and dairy and egg products.
Examples of food sources include
- Beef Tallow
- Lard
- Herring Fish Oil
- Menhaden Fish Oil
- Salmon Fish Oil
- Cod Liver Fish Oil
- Sardine Fish Oil
Foods in our nutrition tool
You can find regularly updated top-ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.
If you are interested in what foods contain the most kJ (Energy) we recommend you visit our tool.
Here's our top-ranked list of foods that contain kJ (Energy).
