A framework for adequate nourishment: balancing nutrient density and food processing levels within the context of culturally and regionally appropriate diets

• There are many dietary patterns and habits for the
human omnivore to achieve adequate nourishment, often beyond what conventional nutritional recommendations and models suggest. Yet, there are also
limits to this dietary fexibility, contingent on nutrient density and food processing levels.
• The nutrient density of a diet is usually improved by incorporating animal-source foods beyond a threshold, suggested to be at one-fourth to one-third of the caloric
intake. Below this threshold, nutrient defciency risks become a concern and require careful consideration. In contrast, consuming a high share of animal-source
foods comes with contentious debates related to the risk of chronic diseases.
• Minimally processed foods are recommended as the preferred dietary option, but this should not compromise nourishment potential. Especially when
plant-based foods dominate dietary intake, processing steps are needed to remove phytotoxins and improve nutrient bioavailability. However, excessive processing
levels result in loss of food quality, whereas dietary patterns dominated by ultra-processed foods are likely harmful.
• This article focuses on the health aspects of human diets, without addressing concerns related to environmental impact or animal welfare. Such concerns
can nonetheless be met, to some degree, if dietary guidance suffciently embraces fexibility. This can be done by encouraging culturally appropriate diets
while allowing for the self-selection of a variety of nutrient-dense, satiating foods of a mainly minimally processed nature, based on personal and cultural needs, values, and preferences. The concept of adequate nourishment is particularly important for
populations with unique nutritional requirements, such as young children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults