healthful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'healthful' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that has beneficial effects on physical well-being. For example, you could use the sentence, "This smoothie is full of healthful ingredients like kale, spinach, and blueberries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Holistic dentists treat all the usual problems, but they also look at inflamed gums and infected teeth as part of broader health problems, and they prescribe healthful diet, sleep and exercise alongside mercury-free fillings.

Independent

"On the other hand, choosing more healthful sources of protein in place of red meat can confer significant health benefits by reducing chronic disease morbidity (illness) and mortality".

Independent

(The park service as a whole still runs a campaign on the healthful effects of visiting, called "Take a hike and call me in the morning").It is not clear, however, that all this will be enough to convince people to turn away from their iPhones or spend less time at Dollywood, a nearby amusement park owned by Dolly Parton, a rather successful local country singer.

The Economist

Besides his academic job, he is the founding president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, a charitable foundation based in Sausalito, California and, as he freely admits in the interests of full disclosure, an author of general-interest books on preventive medicine and a consultant for large food companies on how to make "more healthful foods".

The Economist

CALIFORNIA is supposed to be the Golden State of beautiful people, their bodies honed to perfection by 24-hour gyms, cosmetic surgery and "healthful" diets.

The Economist

If the chain is as concerned about healthful eating as it says, perhaps pricing is where it needs to start.

The Economist

It might be dismissed as a mannerism (and in the healthful West perhaps frowned on).

The Economist

For all the constraints, China looks set for a larger dose of healthful capitalism.

The Economist

The city generally has a healthful climate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, the prefect Francisco Pereira Passos helped change Rio de Janeiro into one of the world's most beautiful cities, and the distinguished physician and scientist Oswaldo Cruz made it a more healthful place by virtually eradicating yellow fever there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lower third of the state is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, and the weather in general is mild and healthful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing diets or lifestyles, use "healthful" to emphasize the positive impact on physical well-being. For example, a "healthful diet" is more specific than just a "good diet".

Common error

Avoid using "healthy" when you specifically mean something provides a direct benefit to health. "Healthy" is more general. For example, say "healthful snacks" rather than "healthy snacks" if you mean they actively contribute to better health.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "healthful" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is beneficial or conducive to good health. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes positive effects on physical or mental well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "healthful" is a grammatically correct and common adjective used to describe something beneficial to health. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, denoting a neutral to slightly formal tone. While often interchangeable with "healthy", "healthful" specifically emphasizes the positive impact on well-being. When writing, use "healthful" to highlight the direct, health-promoting qualities of a subject. This analysis offers practical guidance on using "healthful" effectively and avoiding common mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

healthy

A more general term that can refer to overall well-being, not just direct health benefits.

beneficial to health

A more descriptive and explanatory phrase.

salubrious

Refers specifically to things that promote health or well-being, often used in formal contexts.

health-promoting

Implies actively encouraging health.

health-giving

Implies something that actively provides health benefits.

conducive to health

Suggests something that supports or leads to good health.

nutritious

Focuses specifically on the nutritional value and benefits of food.

wholesome

Emphasizes the overall goodness and health benefits, often in a broader sense.

promotes well-being

Broader in scope, encompassing both physical and mental health.

good for you

A common, informal way to say something is beneficial for health.

FAQs

How can I use "healthful" in a sentence?

You can use "healthful" to describe things that are beneficial for your health. For example, "Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is part of a healthful diet".

What is a good alternative to "healthful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "healthy", "salubrious", or "nutritious".

Is it correct to say "healthful lifestyle" or "healthy lifestyle"?

Both are acceptable, but "healthful lifestyle" emphasizes actions and choices that directly promote health, while "healthy lifestyle" is a broader term that encompasses overall well-being.

What's the difference between "healthful" and "healthy"?

"Healthful" describes something that actively contributes to or improves health. "Healthy" describes a general state of good health. For instance, a "healthful meal" improves your health, while a "healthy person" is already in good health.