Researchers have highlighted the viability of using carbohydrate food quality score (CFQS) modeling to better understand the importance of and variations in carbohydrate food (CF) quality among varied diets in a study that was recently published in the journal Nutrients.
Dietary recommendations (DGA) on carbohydrate intake are currently mostly centered on quantitative factors like fiber content and added sugars, with little advice on the characteristics of food groups that are high in carbohydrates. There is a dearth of information on how to choose grains and fruits that are whole and veggies based on their starch content or color.
Several CFs that are consumed every day are low in whole grains and fiber but rich in salt, saturated fat, and added sugar. In times of economic instability and rising prices, new techniques for detecting and choosing higher-quality food products should enhance diet-related health outcomes because CFs are more affordable sources of nutrients than meals heavy in fat or protein.
The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the application of a CF quality grading system in enhancing food choices to consume meals high in nutrients, fiber, and low in sugar content.
For evaluating CF quality, the CFQS-4 and CFQS-5 models were created. These CFQS models were developed based on DGA recommendations that were connected to favorable health outcomes and national dietary standards.
To evaluate non-grain CF quality, the CFQS-4 includes four measurements of salt, free sugars, potassium, and fiber. To evaluate the quality of grain-based foods, the CFQS-5 included whole grains in addition to these components.
Both CFQS models were applied to a variety of diets, including the healthy Mediterranean diet, healthy vegetarian, healthy American-style, and economical diet plans, each of which was represented by 20 CFs.The thrifty diet plan provided budget-friendly dietary choices and informed the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) advantages for four-member households. In addition, four food tables were included that represented culturally inclusive diet patterns for African Americans, Latin Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.
CFQS models were applied to current DGA health diet plans, the 2020-2025 DGA healthy diet plans, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) thrifty diet plan, and culturally inclusive diet patterns. Nutritional and calorie requirements were aligned with age, sex, and activity levels.
