Tag: Protein for fuel

The human body is remarkably efficient, but it does not prioritize protein for immediate fuel. The question, is protein an immediate source of energy?, reveals a common misconception about macronutrient metabolism and the body's preferred fuel sources.

Every gram of protein provides approximately 4 kilocalories (kcal) of energy, making it a valuable, albeit secondary, fuel source for the human body. While fats and carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy sources, understanding how much energy is in a protein is key to a balanced diet and metabolic health.