The Simple Secrets to Better Health

February, 2007

Canada’s Food Guide

With much media attention, Health Canada released its updated version of “Canada’s Food Guide” this month. I think it is an excellent effort and recommend it.

This is the first update in 15 years. The Food Guide originated in 1942 in response to wartime food rationing and the risks of nutritional deficiencies. It has been updated several times as Canadian needs and the availability of foods change. The new food guide recognizes the importance of nutrition to do more than avoid some deficiencies.

            Dr. David Butler-Jones is the Chief Public Health Officer for Canada. He says “The Food Guide recommends a careful selection of foods balanced by physical activity.” He continues, “By increasing their levels of physical activity, improving eating habits and achieving healthy weights, Canadians can help ensure good health and prevent many chronic diseases, including some cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.”

            One of the key updates is the greater emphasis on fruits and vegetables, which are the main sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For women between ages 19-50, the recommendation is 7-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For men of the same age, it is 8-10 servings per day. Here is a question for you—when was the last time you ate this many servings in any day, let alone everyday? Then there are those notorious non-vegetable eaters known as children. They only have to have 6 servings per day under age 13 or 7-8 servings per day if they are teenagers. French fries don’t count!

            For the first time, the Food Guide even recommends supplementation with vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. They also recommend supplementation for women who may become pregnant with a multivitamin/mineral with iron and folic acid.

            There is also more attention paid to food preferences. This will accommodate Canada’s multicultural society. Health Canada is now developing a special guide for First Nations people which will no doubt recognize the high incidence of diabetes in their population.

You can access Canada’s Food Guide at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide

Some of our Simple Secrets to Better Health chapters may also be of interest.

The chapter on the glycemic index and food quality, the three chapters on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and periodontal diseases, chapter 10 on exercise and chapter 6 on children’s nutrition are all available to you at www.dentalhealth.ca/ss2/ss2 index.htm  Not to be left out are chapters 5 and 13 on supplementing you nutrition if you don’t live in the perfect world of 8-10 fruit and vegetable servings per day. I know I don’t!

            Last but not least are chapters 3 and 13 which explain that responsibility for our personal health belongs to each of us. While Canada’s Food Guide may be good information, it is up to you to convert the information to knowledge by acting on it.

            Your taste buds await you, as does a healthier, more active life.

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