healthful
UK: ˈhɛlθf(ə)l | US: ˈhɛlθfəl
adj. promoting good health; beneficial to physical or mental well-being
adj. (archaic) full of health; vigorous
The word "healthful" combines "health," derived from Old English hǣlþ (wholeness, soundness), with the suffix "-ful," meaning "full of." "Health" traces back to Proto-Germanic hailithō, linked to hailaz (whole, uninjured). The suffix "-ful" comes from Old English -full, indicating abundance. Together, "healthful" originally meant "full of health" (archaic) and evolved to describe things that promote well-being. The logic reflects a shift from describing a state ("being healthy") to causing that state ("making healthy").
A healthful diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
The mountain air is healthful and invigorating.
She chose healthful snacks over processed junk food.
Regular exercise is a healthful habit for longevity.
The spa offers healthful treatments to detoxify the body.