What is an Aggregate Nutrient Density Index?

I saw this on the side of a shopping bag from Whole Foods today:

An ANDI score "is a number from 1 to 1000 that lets you know how nutritious your food is. The highest scoring food has the most nutrients per calorie. Fill your diet with healthy, beneficial foods by choosing high ANDI score items."

Here is their Top 10 list:

1. Collard greens: 1000
2. Kale: 1000
3. Watercress: 1000
4. Bok choy: 824
5. Spinach: 739
6. Broccoli rabe: 715
7. Chinese/Napa cabbage: 704
8. Brussel sprouts: 672
9. Swiss chard: 670
10. Arugula: 559

In The Spectrum, Dr. Dean Ornish writes about the benefits of kale: "Kale contains lutein, an antioxidant that protects against macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Kale is also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as folate (which helps prevent heart disease and birth defects) and calcium and magnesium, two minerals important for strong bones. Kale also contains some omega-3 fatty acids."

Tomorrow I'll post my favorite recipe for Kale Salad.  It's easy to make and high on the ANDI list!