ENERGY

The intangible asset that all forms of life require to exist. It is the power that is required to produce light, heat and activity. Energy can be transferred from one system or object to another and is always conserved. This means it can not be created or destroyed, but changes from one form to another. It is apparent in a variety of forms, kinetic, potential, chemical, thermal, electromagnetic, and nuclear energy. Light or solar energy originating from the sun is used by plants to create chemical energy through a process known as photosynthesis. This chemical energy assists the plant in growth and development of proteins, fat and carbohydrate. Animals and humans ingest these foods to produce energy via a process called respiration.

Energy is needed to breathe, grow, repair, for movement and to stay warm. Energy is measured in calories (Kcal) or joules (J) and different individuals require different amounts of energy, depending on their age, height, weight, activity level and basal metabolic rate (BMR). An average man needs approximately 2500 calories per day and an average woman needs approximately 2000 calories per day. Bear in mind that a poor diet with no exercise will mean that excess energy is stored as fat within the body.