Energy is required for all body processes, growth and physical activity. Protein and carbohydrates have four calories per gram, and fat has none calories per gram. Food with high water content such as fruits, have a low energy density since water has no calories per gram.
Fresh fruits are low energy dense foods with few calories in relation to their weight. The energy from fruits comes largely from carbohydrate.
The caloric value of the fruit lies mainly in its sugars, which provide sources for readily available energy. Fruits contain sugars such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and dextrose.
Mostly dextrose and levulose sugars are important caloric yielding foods being easily digested and quick in releasing energy.
Energy source of fruit:
Carbohydrates: banana, breadfruit, jackfruit, plantain, dates, prunes, raisin
Proteins and amino acids: nuts, dried apricot, fig
Fats: avocado, olive, nuts
Dessert bananas have become popular in modern westernized diets.
Bananas are important and immediate source of energy, often being eaten by sport people during competition.
Dried prunes, apricots, peaches, apples, raisins and dates may be substituted for fresh or canned fruits. They are particularly useful in energy, combat, or survival rations or Arctic trail rations where a concentrated and palatable source of energy is needed.
Energy of fruits
