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and Health
Optimal health is essential to living a full and healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of any health program and the key to sustaining that health over the long term is consuming foods that are packed with nutrients. The more nutrient-dense a food is, the more nutrients it has compared to the amount of calories it carries. That is why nutrient density matters for optimal health and wellness.
What is Nutrient Density?
Nutrient density is a measure of how much nutrient content a food has per calorie. Foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories are considered to be nutrient-dense. This means the food contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients without packing a high caloric punch.
Why Should We Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods?
Eating nutrient-dense foods is essential for optimal health and wellness. These foods provide all of the essential nutrients our bodies need without providing superfluous amounts of calories. Eating nutrient-dense foods leads to long-term health benefits including a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
Furthermore, eating nutrient-dense foods helps to keep us feeling full and energized. As the body breaks these foods down, it slowly releases energy to the body, which helps us maintain energy levels throughout the day. Eating nutrient-dense foods has also been linked to improved mental clarity, concentration, and mood.
What Qualifies as a Nutrient-Dense Food?
Most nutrient-dense foods can be found in the produce aisle of your local grocery store. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients but low in calories, making them excellent sources of nutrient-dense food. Other examples of nutrient-dense foods include lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and certain nuts and seeds.
When shopping for nutrient-dense foods, be sure to examine the nutritional facts panel for a comprehensive list of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients the food contains. This can help you determine which foods are the most nutrient-dense for optimal health and wellness.
Conclusion
Nutrient density matters when it comes to optimal health and wellness. Nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients without providing a large number of calories. Eating nutrient-dense foods has been linked to a variety of long-term health benefits. When shopping for nutrient-dense foods, be sure to examine the nutritional facts panel for a comprehensive list of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients the food contains. Eating nutrient-dense foods is the key to achieving and maintaining excellent health over the long term.
