The Nutriscore and its importance in nutritional assessment
The Nutriscore is a nutritional labeling system that helps consumers assess the nutritional quality of food quickly and easily. This system ranks products on a five-letter scale, from A (best nutritional quality) to E (worst nutritional quality). It uses an algorithm that takes into account several factors, such as fat, sugar, salt, protein and fiber content.
Foods rated E in the Nutriscore
Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit juices with high added sugar content, are usually given an E rating on the Nutriscore. These drinks are high in simple sugars and empty calories, and lack essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Snacks ultraprocessats
Ultra-processed snacks, such as chips, crackers and other salty snack products, also tend to receive a low rating on the Nutriscore. These foods contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and additives, making them harmful to cardiovascular health. In addition, their low fiber and protein content makes them less forceful options, which can lead to excessive consumption (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
Pastry products and industrial pastries
Industrial pastries and baked goods, such as croissants, donuts and packaged cakes, are often given an E rating due to their high content of trans fats, sugars and calories. These foods not only contribute to weight gain, but are also linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Processed meats
Processed meats, such as sausages, bacon and sausages, are also in the E category of the Nutriscore. These products are high in saturated fat, salt and, in some cases, nitrites and other preservatives that can be harmful to health. Regular consumption of processed meats has been linked to a greater risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease (https://ateneu.xtec.cat/wikiform/wikiexport/cmd/bib/bebl/modul_4/tema_2).
Frozen fast food
Frozen fast foods, such as pizzas, lasagna and other ready-to-heat dishes, generally receive a poor rating on the Nutriscore because of their high content of saturated fat, sugar, salt and additives. Although convenient, these products often have a poor nutritional profile and high calorie content, which contributes to health problems such as obesity and hypertension.
conclusion
The Nutriscore is a useful tool to quickly identify foods that, due to their composition, should be consumed in moderation. Sugary drinks, ultra-processed snacks, industrial baked goods, processed meats and frozen fast foods are examples of foods that tend to receive the worst marks in this classification system. Reducing the consumption of these products and opting for healthier options can significantly contribute to improving our long-term health and well-being.