A healthful food delivers high nutrient value per calorie—vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, quality protein, healthy fats—while minimizing added sugar, sodium, refined flour, and industrial additives.
| Group | Examples | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Leafy greens, crucifers, alliums, peppers, squash | Fiber, K, Mg, folate, carotenoids, flavonoids |
| Fruits | Berries, citrus, apples, pomegranate, avocado | Vit C, polyphenols, fiber, potassium |
| Whole Grains | Oats, quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, 100% whole wheat | Fiber, B vitamins, Mg, selenium, beta-glucan |
| Legumes | Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, edamame | Protein, fiber, Fe, folate, resistant starch |
| Nuts/Seeds | Walnuts, almonds, chia, flax, pumpkin seeds | Omega-3, MUFA, vitamin E, Mg, plant sterols |
| Fatty Fish | Salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies | EPA/DHA, vit D, B12, selenium, protein |
| Fermented | Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh | Probiotics, vit K2, bioavailable nutrients |