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and Health
Good nutrition plays a key role in supporting overall health and in preventing diseases. A healthy diet is made up of a variety of foods with different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals — all of which together act to support the body’s health and disease-fighting capabilities. It’s not just a matter of eating the “right” things, however. It is just as important to ensure the nutrient density of the foods consumed is high.
What is Nutrient Density?
Nutrient density is a measure of how much nutritional value a food contains compared to its calorie content. Foods with higher nutrient density provide more nutrients per calorie than foods with lower nutrient density. So, if you want to ensure you are getting the most nutrition out of the foods you eat, focus on those with a higher nutrient density.
Benefits of Eating Nutrient-Dense Foods
Eating nutrient-dense foods offers a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Nutrient-dense foods are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, which can help the body perform vital functions like maintaining healthy cells, boosting immunity, and regulating metabolism.
Examples of Nutrient-Dense Foods
There are many foods that are considered to be high in nutrient density. Fruits and vegetables are among the most nutrient-dense options, as they are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Other examples of nutrient-dense foods include lean proteins, whole grains, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.
Nutrient-Dense Dietary Patterns
Nutrient-dense dietary patterns prioritize the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, such as the ones listed above. Other key components of nutrient-dense dietary patterns include limiting the intake of unhealthy processed foods, focusing on plant-based proteins, and avoiding foods that are high in added sugars, salt, and saturated fats. These dietary patterns have been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Nutrient density is an important consideration in promoting health and preventing disease. Eating nutrient-dense foods will ensure you’re getting the most nutrition and support your body’s health and disease-fighting capabilities. Nutrient-dense dietary patterns also limit the intake of unhealthy processed foods and focus on plant-based proteins, helping to reduce the risk of chronic conditions. By focusing on foods high in nutrient density, you can support your overall health and wellbeing.
