Understanding the healthy foods and which ones aren’t isn’t always simple

To address these shortcomings to address these gaps, our research team developed our Food Compass. This system is a way to evaluate 54 different characteristics of food items, which are determined according to the scientific evidence of their effects on health. Food Compass maps and scores these attributes on nine distinct dimensions. It is then combined into an overall score, which ranges between 1-100 (least unhealthy) and up to 100 (most healthy). It incorporates the latest research regarding multiple food ingredients and nutrients. It does not penalize total fat nor focus on saturated fats. It also provides negative points for refined and processed carbs.

We’ve now analyzed 58,000 items using Food Compass and found that it generally performs extremely well in assessing food items. Bioactive foods that are minimally processed, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains such as nuts, yogurt, and seafood, rank high on the list. Other animal products, like eggs, dairy, cheese, meat, and poultry, typically come in the middle. Processed foods that are high in refined sugars and grains, such as refined cereals, crackers, breads, or energy drinks, as well as processed meats, are on the lowest.

We discovered Food Compass as particularly helpful in comparing food products such as different breads, various desserts, or mixed meals. Food Compass is more effective than other rating systems that are specific to certain food categories.

For instance, it assigns fewer points to processed foods which are high in processed grains, starches and other refined ingredients and to processed foods with low-fat content, which are frequently advertised as healthful, such as hot dogs and deli meats, and fat-free salad dressings pre-sweetened beverages, energy beverages and coffees. Also, it awards higher scores to foods high in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and nuts. When compared to old rating systems, these changes are more in line with the current research regarding the health benefits of these food items.

We also examined the way Food Compass affects major health outcomes for people. In a nationwide sample of 48,000 Americans, We calculated every person’s personal Food Compass score, ranging between 1 and 100, in relation to the variety of food and drinks they consumed.

We discovered that those who had a healthier diet in accordance with Food Compass had better overall health than those who had lower scores. This included less obesity bet, better control of blood sugar and lower blood pressure, as well as higher levels of blood cholesterol. Also, they had a lower likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome or cancer and a lower chance of dying from any cause. For every 10 points higher Food Compass score, a person has 7 percent less risk of dying. These are crucial findings that show that, generally, eating food that has greater Food Compass scores is linked to improved health outcomes in a number of ways.

Fine-tuning

Although we think Food Compass represents a significant advancement over other systems, we believe that more work needs to be done before the public implements it.

In one of the steps, we’re examining how the scoring algorithm could be enhanced. We’re looking at the most appropriate scoring of foods like certain cereals, which are high in whole grains and fiber but also processed and contain added sugar. We’re also looking at the scores of various egg as well as cheese, poultry, and meat products. They are available in a range of scores. However, they can sometimes be less than they seem intuitively sensible.

In the next year, we will continue working to improve and refine the system in line with our research, as well as the most recent evidence and the feedback of members of the community.

Whole grains are far healthier than refined grains.

Additionally, more research is required on the way that consumers might comprehend and utilize Food Compass in practice. For instance, it could be used as a top-of-the-pack label, but would that be useful without further knowledge and understanding?