Whole foods make healthy eating easy

November is National Health Food Month

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - A handful of nuts as a snack. Brown rice instead of white. Fatty fish every Friday. Healthy eating can be as simple as swapping in foods that are not as processed and refined. Recent research supports that not only are these whole foods healthier but that they also may lower the risk from certain chronic diseases.

Whole foods are in the spotlight this week as the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) celebrates National Health Food Month, an annual initiative that focuses on natural health and organic products with the intention of broadening consumer awareness of the demonstrated benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids and organic products will be in the spotlight November 22 and 29 respectively.

Here are some of the conclusions from scientific abstracts found in peer-reviewed journals and summarized in Research & Your Health, an educational resource produced by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), in collaboration with InspireHealth.

Nut consumption improves blood lipid levels, particularly among subjects with higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
Arch Intern Med. 2010 May 10; 170(9):821-7

Substitution of whole grains, including brown rice, for white rice may lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Arch Intern Med. 2010 Jun 14; 170(11):961-9

High consumption of fatty fish is associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer.
BMC Cancer. June 2009; 9:216

Recognized in November, National Health Food Month serves as a reminder for Canadians that natural health and organic products:

• Are federally regulated
• Are safe and effective with health claims supported by research
• Are an integral part of promoting and maintaining health

Learn more at www.chfa.ca

About CHFA:
The Canadian Health Food Association is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industry. The association represents manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and importers of natural health and organic products, including foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, fibres and health and beauty aids.  With a membership of over 1,000+ business owners and operators, CHFA represents an industry that contributes $3billion to the Canadian economy. 

For further information:

Natalie Cajic, Communications Specialist, 1-800-661-4510, ext. 234 [email protected]