What is an important characteristic of nutrient-dense foods?

Nutrient-dense foods are characterized by their high concentration of essential nutrients relative to their calorie content. This means that these foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds while providing a lower amount of calories. Consuming nutrient-dense foods is important for maintaining health, as they provide the necessary nutrients our bodies need to function optimally without excess calories that can lead to weight gain.

For example, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes are all considered nutrient-dense because they supply significant vitamins and minerals per serving size. In contrast, foods that are high in sugars or saturated fats typically provide a lot of calories but lack adequate amounts of nutrients, making them less beneficial when aiming for a healthy diet. Therefore, the defining feature of nutrient-dense foods is indeed their high nutrient content, making the third option the most accurate choice in this context.