Eli5 So we need calories to survive. If there are 100 calories in a spoon of oil, how come we can’t survive on oil for emergencies?

Question

Eli5 So we need calories to survive. If there are 100 calories in a spoon of oil, how come we can’t survive on oil for emergencies?

In: 3554

Answer 1

A small correction.

We don’t need calories to survive. Calories are just an (outdated) measurement for consumed energy. We don’t consume food (just) for energy. We consume it for nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fibres, proteins and carbs. These things aren’t just responsible for providing us with energy. They are needed for our bodies to function, develop and maintain itself properly.

You can google what each of the nutrient categories and subcategories are needed for, but long story short, the nutrients maintain your health