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."
Przybylski was awarded for healthy food and nutrition research. Other award recipients include: the Spring Creek Ranch for healthy Alberta food sold through a retail outlet; the 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.
Przybylski's research is helping to improve Alberta's food oil industry's processing and preparation practices while improving nutrition. Finalists in the award program had their products consumer taste-tested at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's consumer testing centre in Edmonton. The winners receive $10,000 each to promote their products or invest in future business growth and research.
Alberta Health and Wellness, Advanced Education and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, Alberta Innovates Bio Solution and Alberta
Innovates Health Solutions jointly manage the Alberta Food for Health Awards program.
The awards were developed to encourage food producers and researchers in the province to develop and research healthy food choices. For more information on the awards visit www.albertafoodforhealthawards.com.
The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.