Understanding NOVA Score: The Role of Food Processing in Your Health

As awareness of healthy eating grows, so does the importance of understanding not just what we eat, but how it’s made. The NOVA Score is a powerful tool designed to help you recognize the level of processing in your food, providing insights that go beyond basic nutritional labels.

What is the NOVA Score?

The NOVA Score classifies food products into four distinct groups based on the extent of their processing. Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, this classification system highlights the relationship between food processing and health outcomes.

• Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods
  Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, eggs, and milk. These foods are in their natural state or have undergone minimal processing (e.g., washing, drying, grinding) to make them safe for consumption.

• Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients
  Examples: Oils, butter, sugar, and salt. These ingredients are extracted from whole foods through processes like pressing, refining, and milling, and are typically used to prepare dishes at home.

• Group 3: Processed Foods
  Examples: Canned vegetables, cheese, and fresh bread. These foods are made by adding ingredients like oil, sugar, or salt to whole foods to enhance their shelf life or taste. They usually contain two or three ingredients.

• Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods
  Examples: Soft drinks, packaged snacks, instant noodles, and ready meals. These are industrial formulations that contain little to no whole foods and are often high in added sugars, fats, and artificial additives.

How to Use the NOVA Score for Better Health

Understanding the NOVA Score can significantly impact your diet. The general rule of thumb is to minimize the intake of Group 4 foods (ultra-processed) and prioritize foods from Groups 1 and 2. By doing so, you can reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

With the Healthatize browser extension, recognizing the NOVA Score of products becomes effortless. As you browse, the extension displays the NOVA classification right next to the product, allowing you to make healthier choices instantly.

Why NOVA Score Matters

The level of processing can alter the nutritional quality of food, often stripping away essential nutrients while adding harmful substances. Studies have shown that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to higher risks of obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The NOVA Score is a straightforward way to gauge the quality of your diet and steer towards healthier options.

The Future of NOVA Score with Healthatize

As we expand Healthatize, more tools will be available to help you make informed decisions. Look out for articles on Nutri-Score, which focuses on nutritional content, and Eco-Score, which assesses the environmental impact of your food choices.

The NOVA Score is a crucial tool in the journey towards better health. By understanding and applying this classification to your daily diet, you can take control of your food choices and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed products that may harm your health.

With Healthatize, making healthier decisions is just a click away. As you continue to learn about the foods you eat, you’ll find that improving your diet is easier than ever. Stay tuned for more insights and tools to help you on your journey to better health!