nutritivo

Nutritivo is a Spanish adjective used to describe foods, diets, or substances that provide nutrients necessary for growth, health, and maintaining bodily functions. The term derives from the verb nutrir, which means to nourish, and is commonly employed in education, labeling, and everyday language to convey that something contributes to a balanced diet.

In food and nutrition contexts, a nutritivo item is one that delivers essential macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) while supporting overall health. The descriptor is often linked to concepts such as balanced meals, nutrient density, and appropriate portion sizes. Because nutritional needs vary among individuals, what is nutritivo for one person may be less so for another, underscoring the importance of context and overall dietary patterns.

Nutritional assessments frequently use related terms such as densidad nutricional (nutrient density) to compare foods by the amount of beneficial nutrients per calorie. Common examples of foods generally considered nutritivos include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, lean meats, and dairy in its less processed forms. Processed foods can be fortified to improve nutrient content, but their overall health value depends on multiple factors, including added sugars, sodium, and fats.

Overall, nutritivo conveys that a food or diet contributes positively to health when evaluated within a balanced eating pattern. The concept supports guidance that emphasizes variety, moderation, and the intake of minimally processed, nutrient-dense choices.