What are ANDI scores?

Answer 1

ANDI stands for Aggregate Nutrient Density Index. An ANDI score is assigned to foods based on the nutrients they contain per calorie. It was invented by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and described in his books Eat For Health and Eat Right America Nutritarian Handbook.

Each food is scored based on the equation H=N/C, which means that health is equal to the nutrients per calorie. Each ANDI score is based on a scale of 0-1,000, with 1,000 being the most nutrient dense and 0 being the least nutrient dense. ANDI scores are calculated by evaluating an extensive range of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities. Specifically, they analyze Calcium, Carotenoids (Beta Carotene, Alpha Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin), Fiber, Folate, Glucosinolates, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Selenium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, plus ORAC score X 2 (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a method of measuring the antioxidant or radical scavenging capacity of foods).

Kale, mustard greens, collard greens, and watercress all receive a score of 1,000 using the H=N/C equation, while foods like meat, seafood, and dairy products receive scores below 50 and are not considered to be healthy. A nutrient dense diet, according to Dr. Fuhrman, can prevent or even reverse diseases, including obesity, Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. The system has been adopted by Whole Foods Market grocery stores for certain items.