HealthLink: Naturally nutrient rich… revitalizing a key concept of sound nutrition
“Naturally nutrient rich” is a concept that builds on a basic tenet of sound nutrition – nutrient density – in a more meaningful, relevant and actionable way. According to an article published in the March/April 2005 issue of Nutrition Today, the concept of nutrient density has been a fundamental but underutilized pillar of nutrition for many years. In light of the obesity epidemic, nutrient density has been the subject of renewed attention in an effort to educate consumers to make their calories count more.
Nutrient density is the ratio of the amount of a nutrient in foods to the energy provided by these same foods. The Nutrition Today article highlights a new approach to nutrient density based on evidence presented at a scientific symposium held in 2004. The “naturally nutrient rich” symposium featured presentations on four methods to develop a quantified indexing system to measure the nutrient density of foods. Further research is needed to develop scientifically rigorous methodology for measuring nutrient density of individual foods.
Support for a well-principled nutrition education message has already emerged as outlined in the Consumer Tips below. The US Institute of Medicine proposed use of nutrient density as a means to plan diets in the Dietary Reference Intake: Applications in Dietary Planning report. The 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines also include recommendations to choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods. The “naturally nutrient rich” approach focuses on simple messages to help consumers choose nutrient-dense foods first to optimize the calories they consume and to facilitate weight management.
CONSUMER TIPS:
Choose naturally nutrient-rich foods first, including colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat milk products, lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans, and nuts.
HealthLink is an e-mail newsletter from the team of registered dietitians at the Beef Information Centre: a non-profit organization committed to provide credible and timely information. Please share it with colleagues.
For more information on the eating habits of Canadians and naturally nutrient rich foods, see the new health professional resource
Health Food Choices – Good Reasons to Recommend Foods of Animal Origin
lean beef and health.
Subscribe to HealthLink.