Which of the following components signifies the thermic activity within daily energy expenditure?

The thermic effect of food (TEF), which represents the thermic activity within daily energy expenditure, typically accounts for about 10% of total daily energy expenditure. This component reflects the energy required for the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients and varies based on the macronutrient composition of the diet. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats each have different thermogenic effects, with protein generally requiring more energy to process compared to fats and carbohydrates. Understanding TEF is essential for grasping how dietary choices can influence overall energy balance and metabolic rate.

The other options suggest higher percentages that are not consistent with the established research on thermic activity, as they exceed the commonly accepted proportion of energy expenditure associated with food processing.