Researchers have developed a list of nutrient-dense foods that sorts healthy and unhealthy foods based on nine factors. For example, raspberries, along with other fruits, rank at the top of the new food ranking system. Accordingly, the authors of the new study rated fruits and vegetables the highest, whileprocessed products for eatingare in the lower places. The system could help select foods for a healthy diet based on individual goals.
Ranking of the healthiest, nutrient-dense foods
Nowadays, choosing food according to personal needs can be a real challenge. However, the authors of this research have found a possible solution by ranking healthy and unhealthy foods. They have called this “Food Compass” and rate foods based on nine factors: vitamins, minerals, nutrient ratios, ingredients, additives, fiber, proteins, specific lipids and secondary plant substances. The system accordingly gives foods a score, ranging from 1 for the unhealthiest to 100 for the healthiest. The researchers claim that nutrient-dense foods that have a score of 70 or higher are safe to consume. However, those with a score between 31 and 69, like sweet potato chips, should be consumed in moderation. Anything that gets a score of 30 or lower should not be on the menu. This allows consumers to better categorize the products for their meals and therefore eat healthier.
Instead of categorizing based on just one nutrient, the study authors included many nutrients and health attributes in their algorithm. In addition, this is a more concrete directive for consumers. However, this does not take into account the individualization of people's diets. In the Food Compass system, the snacks and sweet desserts category had the lowest average score of 16. The highest scoring category was fruits, with an average score of nearly 74. Vegetables had an average score of 69, and legumes, nuts, and seeds 68. Almost every raw fruit received a score of 100. Nutrient density is the amount of healthy nutrients in the Relation to calorie content. A nutrient-dense food, like fruits and vegetables, has lots of nutrients and fewer calories. A nutrient-dense food like soda or candy has few nutrients and high calories, according to the authorsthis studyclaim.
