In case you haven't heard about this before, the HEI or the FQS are ways to measure the health aspects of the SAD, Standard American Diet. Researchers need to evaluate this score in studying the results of health studies. It is vital to remember that this number only reflects the USDA's healthy recommendation amounts for the different vitamins and numeral nutrients, but not necessarily for other phytonutrients including the two types of fibers. It also includes and measures nutrient densities within food groups. But, it contains many flaws since it is not only based upon the RDIs, Recommended Daily Intake, but also must incorporate the cost of food service quantities for free meals, etc. And, little if any consideration of cooking methods, fresh, frozen, or raw, but it does differentiate between whole and processed grains. ref
