Some people say that a calorie is a calorie and that all are the same.  You have heard the other term of calories in and calories out.  And that eating 100 calories is the same no matter what food you choose.  I disagree with these statements.  Food isn’t just for calories, it’s for information.

Food is information for the body.  Because of this, all calories are not the same.  The information in food tells your body what to do with it.  It gives the body direct instructions.

Information Examples

Think about consuming 100 calories from a soft drink, it does not provide the same benefits to the body as 100 calories of broccoli.  Broccoli is nutrient-rich and promotes heart health.  Sugar increases inflammation and can raise blood pressure.   Calories are not equal. 

The nutrients found in foods such as calcium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins are essential for body functions.  These nutrients provide information for body functions such as the immune system and tissue repair.

Dietary fats have many benefits for the body.  Eating fat makes you feel satisfied or satiated.  It can help to limit your cravings and it uses the information to speed up metabolism which can give the body the ability to burn more fat.  Supporting cell function is also a major benefit.

Foods containing probiotics and prebiotics provide information for a healthy gut and digestion. These organisms provide information for a strong immune system and for overall good health.

Healthy eating is important as we age.  Research shows that eating ultra-processed foods can speed up the aging process.  The information in these ultra-processed foods such as trans fats affect longevity and vitality.

Other foods can cause harm to the body when consumed in excess amount. The information from saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar can lead to the risk of heart disease among other harmful processes.

Eating healthy, whole food is the best source of nutrients and information for the body. All food is not equal.  Food isn’t just for calories, it’s for information. It provides essential data for body functions.