nutritivas

Nutritivas is the feminine plural form of the adjective nutritivo in Spanish and Portuguese, used to describe items that provide essential nutrients or contribute to health. The term appears in everyday language, dietary guidance, and marketing as a descriptive label rather than a formal scientific category. In nutrition science, more precise terms such as valor nutricional (nutritional value) or contenido de nutrientes (nutrient content) are employed, along with classifications based on nutrient density, energy content, or macro- and micronutrient profiles.

When applied to foods, nutritivas generally signals a higher content of beneficial nutrients relative to calories or unhealthy components. Diets emphasizing nutritivas foods aim for a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, often considering sustainability and overall dietary pattern. Typical examples include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, lean proteins, dairy products, and fortified foods, though the label is context-dependent and may vary by region.

Limitations: the term is qualitative and can be influenced by preparation methods, portion sizes, and individual nutritional needs. A food marketed as nutritiva or nutritivas may still be high in calories or contain components that limit its suitability for certain dietary goals.

See also: nutrient density, valor nutricional, balanced diet.