nutritional
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /njuːtrˈɪʃənəl/
US
- /nuˈtrɪʃənəl/
Description
- relating to food and health
- about nutrients in food
- helping the body grow and stay well
Something that's nutritional has to do with the food we eat and how it affects our health. It's about getting the right vitamins and minerals to help your body grow strong and function well. Think of a brightly colored salad – it's packed with nutritional value!
Just like a mechanic keeps a car running smoothly with the right fuel, nutritional choices keep you running smoothly. You might read a "nutritional label" on a cereal box to see how much sugar or fiber is inside. Or a doctor might recommend a "nutritional supplement" if you're not getting enough of certain vitamins from your diet. It's all about fueling your body the best way possible!
The word "nutritional" describes anything related to nourishment and to how food affects our health. It goes beyond simply eating – it's about understanding what nutrients are in our food and how those nutrients help or sometimes harm our bodies. Think of a meal: its nutritional value depends on the balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals it provides.
"Nutritional" is often used as an adjective describing the value or content of foods. We talk about "nutritional deficiencies" when someone isn't getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, leading to health problems. Conversely, we might seek out "nutritionally balanced" meals that provide everything our bodies need.
The context of usage is often found in fields like dietetics, medicine, and food science. A "nutritional assessment" helps doctors understand a patient's dietary habits and identify potential issues. Food companies use "nutritional information" on packaging to help consumers make informed choices. You might even hear about "nutritional yeast," a popular vegan ingredient that adds a cheesy flavor and boosts nutritional content!
But it's not just about food labels or doctor visits. Understanding the basics of nutrition can empower you to make healthier choices for yourself and your family, ensuring everyone gets the fuel they need to thrive. So, whether you're reading an article on superfoods or planning a healthy meal, "nutritional" is all about the connection between what we eat and how well we live.
Examples
- 1
Food value
The soup is cheap and filling, but it has little nutritional value.
- 2
Package label
You can find the nutritional information on the back of the package.
- 3
Children
Young children have different nutritional needs from adults.
- 4
Medical advice
The clinic offers nutritional advice for people with diabetes.
- 5
Recovery support
After the operation, she needed extra nutritional support while she recovered.
- 6
Health assessment
The survey looked at the nutritional status of families in the region.
Domain
nutritional status
a person's general condition based on the food they get
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nutritionalnounadjective
Forms
- nutritionalspluralnounadjective