Dumb macro question

mikejholmes
mikejholmes Posts: 291 Member
in Food and Nutrition
How is it possible that we get 4 calories per gram of carb?
And also this "all carbs are created equal" -- really?
I thought fibre was both a carb, and... well, fibre? As in, un-digestible, so no calories?

Replies

  • Paco4gsc
    Paco4gsc Posts: 119 Member
    I don't think it's a dumb question at all. Looking around the interwebs, there's some reports that fiber is really 2 calories per gram because it's not fully digested, while others lump it in under the carb category at 4 calories per gram. Can't yet find a reliable source to support either, but it's worth questioning. There's also the question of whether fiber being soluble or insoluble makes a difference.
  • bakemma
    bakemma Posts: 161 Member
    There are both insoluble and soluble fibers. Insoluble fiber is like celery, apple peels, potato peel, dark leafy greens...etc Soluble fibers are like oatmeal, beans, berries, nuts..etc Soluble fiber has considerably more calories than insoluable fibers and doesn't just pass through the digestive system.

Categories