Nutrient-dense foods are characterized by high levels of micronutrients per serving. Which of the following can be considered nutrient-dense?

Nutrient-dense foods are characterized by high levels of micronutrients per serving. Which of the following can be considered nutrient-dense?

• A. Sugary beverages
• B. Refined grains
• C. Fruits, vegetables, legumes
• D. Fried foods

Answer: (C)

Nutrient density is about getting lots of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients for the amount of calories you consume. Foods that deliver a lot of micronutrients per serving are considered nutrient-dense. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes fit this well because they provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beneficial compounds with relatively low calories. Sugary beverages are mostly calories from added sugar with few micronutrients, so they’re not nutrient-dense. Refined grains lack the fiber and many micronutrients found in whole grains and produce, and fried foods add a lot of calories from fat with fewer micronutrients per bite. So, fruits, vegetables, and legumes stand out as nutrient-dense options.

Nutrient density is about getting lots of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients for the amount of calories you consume. Foods that deliver a lot of micronutrients per serving are considered nutrient-dense. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes fit this well because they provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beneficial compounds with relatively low calories. Sugary beverages are mostly calories from added sugar with few micronutrients, so they’re not nutrient-dense. Refined grains lack the fiber and many micronutrients found in whole grains and produce, and fried foods add a lot of calories from fat with fewer micronutrients per bite. So, fruits, vegetables, and legumes stand out as nutrient-dense options.