Vocabulary Related to Nutrition
Hello, English learners! We all know that food is life – but do you know the right words to talk about nutrition in English? If you are preparing for a Cambridge exam or simply want to sound more fluent when discussing health and lifestyle, this lesson will give you the essential vocabulary you need. From macronutrients and special diets to collocations that appear in advanced writing and speaking tasks, this guide will help you master the vocabulary related to nutrition.
Macronutrients
| Carbohydrates | substances found in foods such as bread, rice, and pasta that provide energy. | Wholegrain bread is a healthier source of carbohydrates than white bread. |
| Proteins | nutrients from meat, fish, eggs, beans, and other sources that are essential for growth and repair. | Athletes often increase their protein intake to build muscle. |
| Fats | essential nutrients that provide energy, as well as support cell growth; can be healthy (unsaturated) or unhealthy (saturated/trans fats). | Nuts contain healthy fats, which are good for a healthy heart. |
Micronutrients
| Vitamins | organic substances we need in small amounts for health. | Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. |
| Minerals | natural substances such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. | Milk is very rich in calcium, which is vital for strong bones. |
Vocabulary Related to Nutrition
Dietary concepts
| Balanced diet | to eat different kinds of foods in the right proportions. | A balanced diet is supposed to include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. |
| Nutrient-dense | foods which provide a lot of nutrients for relatively few calories. | Spinach is a nutrient-dense food packed with vitamins. |
| Empty calories | foods high in sugar or fat but low in nutrients. | Soft drinks provide too many empty calories without any real benefits. |
| Caloric intake | total number of calories you consume on a daily basis. | Reducing your caloric intake can help with weight management. |
| Metabolism | the process by which the body converts food into energy. | People with a fast metabolism often find it easier to stay slim. |
Vocabulary Related to Nutrition
Special diets & eating habits
| Vegetarian | a person who doesn’t eat meat or fish. | She decided to become a vegetarian for ethical reasons. |
| Vegan | someone who avoids all animal products, including dairy and eggs. | Many vegans take supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin B12. |
| Gluten-free | foods that do not contain gluten, often eaten by people with coeliac disease. | Supermarkets now stock a wide range of gluten-free products. |
| Intermittent fasting | an eating pattern in which you alternate between periods of eating and fasting. | Intermittent fasting has become popular for weight control. |
Nutrition & health
| Obesity | a medical condition of being very overweight. | Childhood obesity has become a serious public health problem. |
| Malnutrition | poor health caused by not eating enough of the right foods. | Malnutrition is still a problem in many developing countries. |
| Deficiency | a lack of something essential, such as vitamins or minerals. | Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia. |
| Processed food | food altered from its natural state, often with additives. | Highly processed foods are high in salt and sugar. |
| Whole foods | foods that are unprocessed and close to their natural state. | Nutritionists recommend eating more whole foods like fruit and vegetables. |
Vocabulary Related to Nutrition
Collocations & phrases
| Watch your diet | pay attention to what you eat. | If you want to improve your energy levels, you should watch your diet. |
| Boost your immune system | strengthen your body’s natural defences. | Eating garlic regularly is said to boost your immune system. |
| Cut down on sugar | reduce the amount of sugar you eat. | The doctor advised him to cut down on sugar to lower his risk of diabetes. |
| High in fibre/protein/fat | describes the nutrient content of a food. | Oats are high in fibre and help digestion. |
| Low-carb diet | a diet with reduced carbohydrates. | Many people follow a low-carb diet to lose weight. |

Vocabulary related to nutrition
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