What common aspect do whole foods share?

Whole foods are characterized by their minimal processing and the preservation of their natural state. This means that whole foods are typically fresh and unrefined, retaining their essential nutrients, fiber, and other beneficial compounds. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes fall into this category because they have undergone little to no processing, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

The idea that whole foods are not heavily processed is fundamental to their definition, as processing can often strip away nutritional value or add undesirable ingredients like sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Therefore, the focus on whole foods encourages individuals to choose items that provide maximum health benefits without the alterations that come from extensive processing.

In contrast, options that suggest whole foods must be organic or contain preservatives do not align with the definition of whole foods. Similarly, stating they always have high sugar content does not accurately reflect the variety of whole foods available, as many, like vegetables, are low in sugar. Hence, the correct understanding of whole foods emphasizes their unprocessed nature, making the answer focused on minimal processing the best choice.