Nutrient Density

Question 1

What is nutrient density?

Answer 1

Concentration of nutrients (micronutrients and amino acids) in a food

Question 2

What are anti-nutrients?

Answer 2

Antinutrients​ are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other ​nutrients​. They are found in a variety of foods, especially grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.

Question 3

What conditions are associated with nutrient deficiencies?

Answer 3

● Poor immune function
● Premature aging
● Cellular damage
● Obesity
● Metabolic syndrome
● Cardiovascular disease

Question 4

Are supplements the same as whole foods?

Answer 4

*Note that supplemental nutrients do not have the same effect on the body as nutrients in food. Most nutrients require enzymes and other substances to be properly absorbed.

Question 5

How is a paleo diet nutrient-dense? How do you measure nutrient density?

Answer 5

One scale covered in The Paleo Cure is from Mat LaLonde. The scale is good, but doesn’t consider bioavailability and phytonutrients and polyphenols.

A Paleo diet is high in nutrient-dense foods like organ meats, meat, fish and shellfish, and herbs and spices. If you add phytonutrients and polyphenols as criteria, raw and cooked vegetables and fruits would be closer to the top.