More healthy food products are on the shelves because of the efforts of three Alberta food producers and University of Lethbridge researcher Dr. Roman Przybylski, (chemistry and biochemistry).

All four were recently recognized for their work with a special Premier's Award.

"Our province has an abundance of talent for producing healthy foods," says Premier Ed Stelmach. "Through the annual Alberta Food for Health Awards, we are able to bring attention to the healthy and delicious home-grown choices made available to Albertans by Albertans."

In addition to Przybylski, who was selected for healthy food and nutrition research, this year's award recipients are:

- Spring Creek Ranch for healthy Alberta food sold through a retail outlet

- Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) for healthy Alberta food sold through food service

- Gordon's Homemade Sausage for healthy Alberta food for specialty diets

Przybylski was selected as the Healthy Alberta food and nutrition researcher for contributing to leading edge research in the development of Omega-9 canola oil, a high-quality frying oil suitable for the same uses as traditional oils.

The conversion of Omega-9 canola oil from hydrogenated oil helps to remove unhealthy trans and saturated fats from the North American diet. Providing this alternative can positively impact health problems such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Przybylski's research is helping to improve Alberta's food oil industry's processing and preparation practices while improving nutrition.