1. I try to eat healthy food every day.
2. I try to eat healthful food every day.
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Can we use both 'healthy' and 'healthful'?
According to the dictionary, healthy sometimes means 'healthful,' and helathul means 'healthy.' It's a litte confusing. Which expressions should we use?
Either but I would pick 2 because in the end the person, not the food, is supposed to be healthy.
Thank you, Damon! Finally, someone who understands the distinction!
Yes, both "healthy" and "healthful" can be used to describe food that is good for one's health. While there is some overlap in their meanings, there is a subtle difference in usage.
The term "healthy" generally refers to a state of overall well-being or the absence of disease. It can also be used to describe someone's physical or mental condition. In the context of food, "healthy" commonly emphasizes the nutritional benefits of the food, such as being low in fat, high in vitamins and minerals, or promoting overall wellness.
On the other hand, "healthful" specifically focuses on the positive impact that food has on one's health. It implies that the food contributes to maintaining or improving one's physical well-being, rather than simply being free from harmful effects.
In everyday usage, "healthy" is much more commonly used than "healthful" to describe food. Both words convey a similar meaning, so you can use either term depending on your personal preference. If you want to be more specific about the positive impact on health, you may choose to use "healthful." However, in most cases, "healthy" is widely understood and commonly used in regular conversation.
So, to answer your question, you can use both "healthy" and "healthful" interchangeably when describing food that is good for your health, but "healthy" is the more commonly used term.