Question

What does it mean to choose foods for their nutrient density?

a. Dense foods, such as peanut butter or chicken, are more nutritious choices than transparent foods, such as mineral water or gelatin
b. Foods with a lot of nutrients per calorie, such as fish, are more nutritious choices than foods with fewer nutrients per calorie, such as candy
c. Calorie-dense foods, such as cheesecake, should be completely avoided.
d. Fat makes foods dense, and thus foods high in fat should be avoided.

Answer 1

To choose foods for their nutrient density means to select options that offer a lot of essential nutrients per calorie, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables, as opposed to less nutrient-dense foods like candy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Choosing foods for their nutrient density means selecting foods that provide a high amount of essential nutrients relative to their calorie content. This concept is vital for maintaining a healthy diet without consuming an excess number of calories. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains are great examples of nutrient-dense choices, as they deliver significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients while being relatively low in calories. In contrast, foods like candy, which have few nutrients but high calorie content, are considered less nutritious options. Nutrient-dense foods contribute to better health by facilitating weight loss or maintenance while providing necessary nutrients. To maximize the benefits from the limited amount of food that can be eaten in a day, it's recommended to spend the "Calorie budget" wisely. For example, kale is far more nutrient-dense in vitamin K than iceberg lettuce, providing a greater amount of this essential nutrient per calorie. Similarly, foods with a lot of nutrients per calorie, such as fish, are more nutritious choices than foods with fewer nutrients per calorie, such as candy.