In the context of metabolism, what is the term for the amount of energy that the body derives from foods?

• A. Thermic effect
• B. Caloric value
• C. Basal metabolic rate
• D. Glycemic index

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the context of metabolism, which refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including energy production from food.
2. Step 2: Review the provided terms: 'Thermic effect,' 'Caloric value,' 'Basal metabolic rate,' and 'Glycemic index,' and understand their definitions and relevance to metabolism.
3. Step 3: Define 'Caloric value' as the amount of energy that the body derives from foods, typically measured in calories or kilocalories. This term directly relates to the energy content of food.
4. Step 4: Compare 'Caloric value' with the other terms: 'Thermic effect' refers to the energy expended during digestion, 'Basal metabolic rate' is the energy required for basic physiological functions at rest, and 'Glycemic index' measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels.
5. Step 5: Conclude that 'Caloric value' is the correct term for the amount of energy the body derives from foods, as it specifically quantifies the energy content of food consumed.