Energy

Energy is the ability or the capacity to do work. Energy comes in various forms (chemical, heat, sound, electrical or light) but the most common form is chemical energy. Energy is used for various purposes. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed (law of conservation) but can be transformed from one state to the other (law of transformation). Energy is stored in the body in the form of glucose (from the food we eat) and oxygen (from the air we breathe in) and it’s measured in joules (kilojoules) and calories.

In the body, energy is needed for:

Muscle and cell activity.

In the body, energy is needed for the activities of muscles; energy is used to move muscles and cells. As the muscles move or work together, they produce more energy. The muscular contraction and relaxation of muscles need energy to carry out these processes. In the movement of cells from one part of the body to the other, energy is required or used.

Growth and repair

As the body carries out its processes each day, various cells in the body gets weakened and broken so they require repair and maintenance. Also new or young cells require growth and energy in the body is used up for these activities. To bring new cells to life, to repair and maintain worn out and broken cells.

Breathing

As the respiratory system aids in breathing; taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide to and fro the body, requires the use of energy. Energy is required for an individual to be able to breathe in and out.

Circulation of blood.

The circulation of blood within the body has to be actively supported by energy. The heart being responsible for pumping of blood requires energy for its contraction and relaxation. Energy is needed to transport or circulate the blood being