Synopsis

Every substance we consume as nourishment—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals alike—is fundamentally composed of chemicals. Upon ingestion, the body reassembles these elements to generate energy. The quantity of energy derived from different foods is quantified as calories. This episode unveils the methods employed by scientists to determine caloric content, exploring the workings of a bomb calorimeter – a key instrument in the study of food.