October 9, 2009 – An American researcher proposes a new tool to better navigate the grocery store and choose the healthiest foods: the index of foods with high nutrient content (or NRF index, for Nutrient rich foods).
The NRF index1is based on a different, more positive approach, argues Adam Drewnowski, director of the Center for Public Nutrition at the University of Washington and author of the NRF Index.
“Rather than focusing on foods to avoid, it aims to improve dietary knowledge that will encourage consumption of foods high in beneficial nutrients,” he says.
The professor of epidemiology presented the NRF Index as part of the Autour de l’Assiette symposium, held in Montreal and organized by Dairy Farmers of Canada2.
A unique note for each food
The NRF index takes into account the entire nutritional value of the food and is not based on the presence of a particular nutrient.
Concretely, it is calculated from the daily intake of 9 “recommended” nutrients (proteins, calcium, magnesium, iron, dietary fibers, potassium and vitamins A, C and E) and 3 nutrients “to be limited” (saturated fat , sodium and added sugars).
This results in a single score for all foods.
Thus, each is ranked on a scale of 1 to 9, with the highest rating signifying a high concentration of nutrients for every 100 calories.
Suddenly, we reduce the portion to a single concept.
“Currently, there are more than 130 types of servings that we can refer to on the market,” says Adam Drewnowski. With the NRF index, the confusion is over: each serving is calculated on 100 calories, a notion that is easier to calculate. “
A tool to control your weight?
For now, the NRF index is not yet available and it is not found on food labels.
However, the Coalition for Nutrient Rich Foods is making a draft of the index available (in English and soon in French) on its site. Taking into account each of the 5 major food groups, this site offers:
– a list of foods rich in nutrients that can be found at the grocery store;
– recipes and menu ideas created from nutritious foods;
– scientific news on food.
“The NRF Index will help promote the purchase of healthier foods while improving cooking skills,” concluded Adam Drewnowski. He also hopes that this index will help fight the epidemic of obesity as well as certain diseases that result from inadequate diet.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. For more information on the High Nutrient Foods Index, visit the US coalition Nutrient Rich Foods website: www.nutrientrichfoods.org [consulté le 8 octobre 2009].
2.www.plaisirslaitiers.ca [consulté le 8 octobre 2009].
