What does nutrient density refer to?

Nutrient density refers to the ratio of nutrients to the number of calories in a food. This measurement helps to evaluate the quality of a food product by indicating how many essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, are provided per calorie. Foods that are high in nutrient density offer more health benefits because they deliver a greater amount of nutrients without a high calorie count, which is especially important for maintaining a balanced diet and supporting overall health.

In contrast, foods with low nutrient density may provide a lot of calories but offer few essential nutrients, which can lead to imbalances in diet and health issues over time. Understanding nutrient density is crucial for making informed dietary choices aimed at optimizing nutritional intake and overall wellness.