What principle indicates that a nutritious diet has all essential nutrients in sufficient amounts?

The principle that a nutritious diet contains all essential nutrients in sufficient amounts is known as adequacy. This concept emphasizes the importance of providing the body with enough of the necessary nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, to meet its physiological needs. An adequate diet ensures that an individual can maintain overall health, support bodily functions, and promote growth and development.

Adequacy is critical for various reasons, including proper immune function, energy production, and recovery from illness or injury. When a diet lacks any of the essential nutrients, it can lead to deficiencies, which may result in health issues over time. Therefore, focusing on adequacy in nutrition is vital for sustaining optimal health and performance.

Other principles such as moderation, balance, and color may pertain to aspects of a healthy diet, but they do not directly signify that all essential nutrients are present in sufficient amounts. Moderation relates to consuming a variety of foods without excess, balance refers to the proportion of different food types in a diet, and color typically addresses the visual appeal and variety of foods, rather than nutrient sufficiency.