Question

(a) A serving of a particular ready-to-serve chicken noodle soup contains \(2.5 \mathrm{~g}\) fat, \(14 \mathrm{~g}\) carbohydrate, and \(7 \mathrm{~g}\) protein. Estimate the number of Calories in a serving. (b) According to its nutrition label, the same soup also contains \(690 \mathrm{mg}\) of sodium. Do you think the sodium contributes to the caloric content of the soup?

Short answer

A serving of this particular chicken noodle soup contains approximately 106.5 calories, with 22.5 calories from fat, 56 calories from carbohydrates, and 28 calories from protein. Sodium, which is a mineral, does not contribute to the caloric content of the soup.

Step-by-step solution

Calculate the calories from fat

To calculate the calories from fat, we use the given information that 1 gram of fat provides 9 calories. The serving contains 2.5 grams of fat. Calories from fat = (2.5 g fat) x (9 calories/1 g fat) = 22.5 calories

Calculate the calories from carbohydrate

To calculate the calories from carbohydrates, we use the given information that 1 gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories. The serving contains 14 grams of carbohydrate. Calories from carbohydrate = (14 g carbohydrate) x (4 calories/1 g carbohydrate) = 56 calories

Calculate the calories from protein

To calculate the calories from protein, we use the given information that 1 gram of protein provides 4 calories. The serving contains 7 grams of protein. Calories from protein = (7 g protein) x (4 calories/1 g protein) = 28 calories

Sum up the calories from fat, carbohydrate, and protein

Now, we will sum up the calories from fat, carbohydrate, and protein to get the total number of calories in one serving of soup. Total Calories = Calories from fat + Calories from carbohydrate + Calories from protein Total Calories = 22.5 calories + 56 calories + 28 calories = 106.5 calories

Discuss the sodium content and its contribution to the caloric content

The serving of soup has 690 mg of sodium. Sodium does not provide calories, as it is a mineral and not a source of energy like fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Therefore, sodium does not contribute to the caloric content of the soup. In conclusion, a serving of this particular chicken noodle soup contains approximately 106.5 calories in total, and sodium does not contribute to the caloric content of the soup.

Key concepts

Calories from Fat

When analyzing the nutritional content of food, the term calories from fat refers to the portion of the total calorie count that comes from fat. Fat is a dense source of energy, supplying 9 calories per gram. This is more than twice the number of calories provided by carbohydrates or proteins, which both provide 4 calories per gram.

For our chicken noodle soup example, with 2.5 grams of fat, we calculate the calorie output from fat by simply multiplying the number of grams by 9. Hence, 2.5 g of fat contributes to 22.5 calories. Understanding the calorie content from different macronutrients helps in planning a balanced diet and ensuring energy needs are met without excessive calorie intake.

Calories from Carbohydrate

The calories from carbohydrate indicate the amount of energy provided by the carbohydrate content in the food. Each gram of carbohydrate represents 4 calories. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy and are important for proper brain function, among other physiological activities.

In our serving of chicken noodle soup, we calculate the carbohydrate content by multiplying 14 grams by 4, resulting in 56 calories from carbohydrates. Keeping track of carbohydrate intake is crucial for managing blood sugar levels, making it a key consideration for individuals with metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

Calories from Protein

Proteins are also a valuable energy source, with calories from protein calculated at 4 calories per gram. Protein is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of all tissues in the body. Moreover, it plays a vital role in the creation of enzymes, hormones, and other substances the body uses.

For the chicken noodle soup, the calculation is straightforward: 7 grams multiplied by 4 equals 28 calories from protein. Keeping an eye on protein intake is particularly important for athletes, people trying to build muscle, and individuals recovering from injury.

Nutritional Value Analysis

Performing a nutritional value analysis involves looking at the different components of food and their impact on our health. This not only covers calories from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, but also vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, like sodium, that contribute to overall well-being.

As noted in our soup analysis, while sodium does not offer any calories and thus doesn't affect the soup's energy-providing capacity, it plays other roles in body functions such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission. However, excessive intake of sodium can lead to health concerns, such as hypertension.

Macronutrients in Diet

The macronutrients in diet are the nutrients we need in large amounts to sustain life and for energy: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Each plays a distinct and pivotal role in overall health and must be balanced within one's daily intake. Fats are essential for nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, and the maintenance of cell membranes. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for the brain and muscles during physical activity. Proteins are the building blocks of the body, vital for growth and repair.

By understanding the role and calorie contribution of each macronutrient, individuals can adjust their diet to their specific energy needs and health goals. Balancing these macros is key for maintaining a healthy weight, optimizing bodily functions, and preventing nutrition-related diseases.