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

There are approximately \(106.5 \text{ Calories}\) in a serving of the chicken noodle soup, calculated from its fat, carbohydrate, and protein content. The sodium content of 690 mg does not contribute to the caloric content, as sodium is a mineral and not a source of energy.

Step-by-step solution

Calculate the Calories from Fat

First, we will calculate the number of Calories that come from fat. To do this, multiply the grams of fat (2.5 g) by the number of Calories per gram of fat (9 Calories/g): Calories from fat = 2.5 g * 9 Calories/g = \(22.5 \text{ Calories}\)

Calculate the Calories from Carbohydrates

Next, we will calculate the number of Calories that come from carbohydrates. Multiply the grams of carbohydrates (14 g) by the number of Calories per gram of carbohydrate (4 Calories/g): Calories from carbohydrates = 14 g * 4 Calories/g = \(56 \text{ Calories}\)

Calculate the Calories from Protein

Now, we will calculate the number of Calories that come from protein. Multiply the grams of protein (7 g) by the number of Calories per gram of protein (4 Calories/g): Calories from protein = 7 g * 4 Calories/g = \(28 \text{ Calories}\)

Calculate the Total Calories in a Serving

Finally, we will add the Calories from fat, carbohydrates, and protein to find the total number of Calories in a serving of chicken noodle soup: Total Calories = Calories from fat + Calories from carbohydrates + Calories from protein Total Calories = 22.5 Calories + 56 Calories + 28 Calories Total Calories = \(106.5 \text{ Calories}\) So, we estimate that there are about 106.5 Calories in a serving of this chicken noodle soup.

Sodium and Caloric Content

The second part of the question asks whether sodium contributes to the caloric content of the soup. Sodium itself does not provide any Calories, as it is a mineral and not a source of energy like fat, carbohydrates, or protein. Therefore, the sodium content of 690 mg does not contribute to the caloric content of the soup.

Key concepts

Food Calorie Calculation

Understanding how to estimate the caloric content of food is fundamental for managing a balanced diet.
The process involves multiplying the amount of each macronutrient in a food item by its respective caloric value per gram.

In our textbook exercise, we calculate the total calories of a serving of chicken noodle soup by examining its macronutrient content. Fats, being energy-dense, provide 9 calories per gram, while both carbohydrates and proteins offer 4 calories per gram. To find the caloric value from each macronutrient, we simply perform the following steps:

• Multiply the grams of fat by 9.
• Multiply the grams of carbohydrates and proteins each by 4.

Add these values together to obtain the total caloric content of the food item.

For example, the soup in the exercise contains 2.5 grams of fat, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. It yields 22.5 calories from fat, 56 calories from carbohydrates, and 28 calories from protein, summing up to a total of 106.5 calories.
This calculation is crucial for anyone monitoring their caloric intake, whether for weight management or nutritional purposes.

Nutritional Analysis

Nutritional analysis of food involves more than just calculating the calories; it includes examining a variety of nutrients to understand the overall nutritional value.
This encompasses looking at vitamins, minerals, fibers, sugars, and other components that contribute to a healthy diet.

However, not all components of food contribute calories. For instance, while sodium is a significant nutritional element, especially concerning blood pressure and fluid balance, it does not supply any caloric energy. As demonstrated in the textbook exercise, when asked whether the 690mg of sodium in the chicken noodle soup contributes to caloric content, the answer is no.

Sodium, like other minerals, is necessary for body functions but doesn't factor into caloric calculations.

To provide a comprehensive nutritional analysis, one must evaluate the various vitamins, minerals, and other non-caloric substances alongside the macronutrient profile and caloric content already determined.

Macronutrients in Diet

Macronutrients are the nutrients our bodies need in large amounts to sustain energy and promote growth and repair.
There are three main macronutrients: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Each plays a unique role in our nutritional health and contributes differently to the total calorie count of our food.

Fats are the most calorie-dense macronutrient and are essential for supporting cell growth, protecting our organs, and aiding in the absorption of certain vitamins.
Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source, fueling our daily activities and brain function. Proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues and can also serve as an energy source.

A balanced diet involves incorporating the right proportions of these macronutrients, tailored to an individual's lifestyle, activities, and health goals.

The textbook solution highlights the importance of understanding how much of each macronutrient is present in our foods. It is a vital step in managing our overall health, preventing diseases, and achieving specific dietary goals. By keeping track of our macros, as shown in the exercise, we can ensure we're getting enough energy and nutrition from our meals.