Top 15 Nutrient-Dense Foods to Improve Your Health
Nutrient-dense foods are important for optimal health and nutrition. But to fully understand what they are and why they are important, it is necessary to understand some other concepts first. After learning some basic concepts of nutrition, you will learn the top 15 nutrient-dense foods to add to your diet and improve your overall health.
What does nutrient-dense mean?
Before we define nutrient-dense, let us first go back a few steps. First, nutrition is defined as obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. It is also the study of nutrients. And a nutrient is defined as a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. There are six groups of nutrients: water, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Nutrient density is defined as the ratio of the nutrient composition of a particular food to the nutrient requirements of the human body. Basically, nutrient-dense foods provide the highest number of nutrients compared to what the human body needs for adequate health.
Generally speaking, fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains are nutrient-dense food groups. The Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) index helps to identify nutrient-dense foods. Adam Drewnowksi is a researcher that has done extensive studies on nutrient-dense foods. His studies use the NRF, a metric used to measure the nutrient density of foods to determine a healthy diet. The NRF index is based on nine nutrients to encourage. These nine nutrients are protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. There are also three nutrients to limit: saturated fat, added sugar and sodium.
What are the benefits of eating nutrient-dense foods?
Eating nutrient-dense foods helps to protect you from diseases and illnesses. Since these foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients such as protein and fiber, these nutrients help strengthen your immune system, maintain a proper level of nutrients in your body, promote regular digestion and metabolism, and maintain lean body mass. In addition to these amazing benefits, many of these foods tend to be lower in calories, especially in proportion to their nutrients, making them great food choices if you are trying to maintain weight or lose weight. The list of benefits goes on and on.
What are the most nutrient-dense foods?
Salmon
Not only is salmon delicious, but it is loaded with nutrients. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps heart health and brain function. It is also an excellent source of high-value protein. A 3-ounce cooked portion of salmon provides 21 grams of protein. And it is a good source of potassium, providing 391 grams. Salmon is also a good source of selenium and vitamin B 12. And salmon is an excellent source of vitamin B-6, providing 25% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
For a delicious salmon recipe, check out this Salmon Buddha Bowl with Roasted Broccoli!
Kale
Green leafy vegetables are generally a great choice for a healthy diet, no matter which one you choose. However, kale is packed with a variety of nutrients. It is high in vitamin A, providing 133% of the RDA, and vitamin C, providing 134% of the RDA! That is amazing! In addition to these vitamins, kale is high in vitamin K and B6 and high in minerals such as potassium, copper, and manganese. And another component of all leafy greens, including kale, is that they are low in calories. One cup of raw kale is only 33 calories.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a form of algae commonly eaten in Japan, China, and Korea. But it has become more popular worldwide, including in the United States. I love a great seaweed salad when I go out to eat sushi! It is an excellent source of iodine which helps your thyroid gland produce hormones. It is also a good source of B vitamins, riboflavin and thiamine, minerals, iron, manganese, and copper.
Garlic
Garlic is an excellent way to flavor food in various dishes and cuisines. It is an excellent source of vitamin B6. Additionally, garlic is a good source of manganese, selenium, and vitamin C. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer and lower cholesterol levels.
Shellfish
Shellfish are a great source of protein and are mostly lower in fat than some other protein sources. However, most of the fat in shellfish is in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps with heart and brain health, as mentioned previously. Shellfish is also rich in zinc, providing almost 100% of the RDA. In addition to zinc, it is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12.
Potatoes
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, B6, and a good source of niacin and folate. And, there is a variety of minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. Specifically, sweet potatoes contain 368% of RDA for vitamin A! There are about 4 grams of fiber in 1 medium-sized potato. Keep in mind that a large portion of the nutrients are found in the skin of potatoes, so peeling them will reduce the nutrients.
Liver
While liver probably is not as popular to eat as it was in the past, it is still nutrient-dense. In a 3.5 ounce serving of beef liver, there is over 3000% of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin B12, over 800% RDI for Vitamin A, over 200% of riboflavin, 65% RDI for folate, 80% RDI for iron, and 1620% for copper. It also provides an Adequate Intake (AI) for women for choline, which is good for your brain and liver.
Sardines
Sardines are packed with nutrients as well. Like salmon, they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B12. Sardines also have an excellent source of calcium and are recommended during pregnancy due to higher calcium needs. In addition to calcium, they have iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and myricetin. Anthocyanins give blueberries their blue color and can help prevent heart disease. Quercetin has been shown to lower blood pressure. And myricetin can help prevent cancer and diabetes.
One cup of blueberries contains 3.6 grams of fiber and 24% of the RDA for vitamin C. Blueberries are also a good vitamin K and manganese source.
Eggs
Eggs are nutrient-dense too! One egg has only 75 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. They also contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help fight macular degeneration. Egg yolks also contain choline which helps with brain development and memory.
There has been misinformation over the years about eggs because of their high cholesterol content. However, after years of research, it has been found that saturated fat has more effect on increasing cholesterol levels and not cholesterol found in food.
Dark Chocolate
Yay! Chocolate! Well, not just any chocolate. Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids; however, it is recommended to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids to get the most nutrients. In addition, dark chocolate contains flavanols that help protect the heart and lower blood pressure. Flavanols have also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Dark chocolate is also rich in iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Avocados
Avocados have become increasingly popular over recent years partly due to their deliciousness and nutrient density! One serving of avocado, one-fifth of an avocado, has 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of healthy fats. They are also a great source of vitamins C, E, K, B6, and folate. And, they are also an excellent source of magnesium and potassium.
The healthy fats in avocados are monounsaturated fats which help to reduce inflammation. Avocado’s high fiber content also helps with digestion. The combination of healthy fats and fiber promotes satiety (feeling of fullness) and may promote weight loss.
Spinach
Spinach is a great source of insoluble fiber, and there are 2.2 grams of fiber in 100 grams of raw spinach. Insoluble fiber helps with digestion and prevents constipation. Spinach is also an excellent vitamin A, C, K, and folic acid source. It is also a great vegetarian source of iron and calcium.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are known for having amazing nutritional benefits. They are loaded with antioxidants which help to prevent cancer and reduce inflammation. Studies have also shown that pomegranates can protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure and improving blood sugar levels.
Pomegranates are classified in the berry family, and the seeds or arils are the part that is eaten. One cup of arils has 7 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Also, pomegranates contain 30% of the RDI for vitamin C, 36% for vitamin K, 16% for folate, and 12% for potassium.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed but is classified as a whole grain in nutrition. It is high in plant protein and fiber. Just one cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. And quinoa is also a complete protein, which also makes it unique. This means it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids. Another great thing about quinoa is that it is gluten-free, making it safe for people with celiac disease. It is also rich in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, and thiamine.
What are the least nutrient-dense foods?
Sweets, sugary beverages, candy, pastries, and chips are examples of foods that generally have the least nutrients. These foods are typically called empty calorie foods as they have little to no nutritional value but are high in calories. The calories are from refined carbohydrates, sugar, and/or saturated or trans fats. You should limit these less nutritional foods in your diet to reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
How do you add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet?
Well, now that you know which foods are the most nutrient-dense, it will be easier to add these to your diet. But here are some ideas to get you started.
Meal Ideas with Nutrient-Dense Foods
You can eat eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Avocados can be sliced and eaten in a sandwich or made into guacamole. For a delicious breakfast, you can add blueberries to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or pancakes.
Spinach and kale can also be added to omelets, soups, salads, or mixed into a smoothie. Sweet potatoes make a great side dish for lunch or dinner. I love them in one of my favorite recipes, Herb-Roasted Vegetables. Seaweed can be eaten as chips or with a meal at your favorite sushi restaurant. And sprinkle pomegranate seeds onto a spinach salad.
I also recommend looking for recipes with these foods if you are unsure about how to make these foods. Garlic is versatile and can be added for flavor in many different recipes. Salmon and shellfish can be a great main dish for dinner. I love roasted salmon with vegetables such as spinach or kale. Make roasted salmon, mashed sweet potatoes, and sauteed spinach for a super nutrient-dense meal!
And spinach makes a delicious, nutrient-dense ingredient in this Amazing Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup!
Use the Plate Method as a Guide to Add More Nutrient-Dense Foods
Using the plate method can be a helpful way to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. First, half of your plate will be from non-starchy vegetables, such as spinach or kale. Then, one-quarter of your plate is from protein such as salmon or lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or another type of fish. And lastly, the remaining quarter of your plate is for a whole grain source such as quinoa or another nutrient-dense choice like sweet potatoes. It is that easy! Add a nutrient-dense fruit for a snack or dessert, and voila! You are well on your way to having a nutrient-dense, healthy diet.
Conclusion
Now you know some of the most nutrient-dense foods available and how to add these into your diet. Using this information on nutrient-dense foods will help to improve your overall health. So, what are some of your favorite nutrient-dense foods? Leave your answer in the comments below.
Reference
Drewnowski A. Defining nutrient density: development and validation of the nutrient-rich foods index. J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Aug;28(4):421S-426S. DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2009.10718106. PMID: 20368382.
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Great tips.
Very informative. Some of my favorite nutrient-dense foods are blueberries, avocados, and salmon.
Thank you, Dave! Those are some of my favorites too!