New study throws light on the differences in diet quality between people of lower and higher socioeconomic status in Canada. The study suggests that lower-income Canadians may tend to buy unhealthy foods which are low in cost and have poor diets. This increases the need for implementing certain effective nutrition policies to improve nutrition and reduce dietary inequities.
To address the root causes of poor diets, improve nutrition and reduce dietary inequities in Canada requires a broad approach, combining nutrition and social policies, argues an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Feeding 10 Billion People by 2050: Is it Possible?
Feeding 10 billion people by 2050 may be achievable. Switching to a plant-based diet could reduce carbon emissions. Improved agricultural practices and reduction of food wastage would help to reach the goal.
Advertisement
‘Dietary Inequities in Canada: People with lower socioeconomic status in Canada are more likely to have poor diets. Existing nutrition policies such as putting nutrition facts tables and warning labels on packaged foods may not be as effective in improving diet. Lower-income Canadians may still purchase unhealthy foods with warning labels because of a lower cost if healthier options are unaffordable.’
Read More..
Tweet it Now
Read More..
Dietary inequities refer to differences in diet quality between people of lower and higher socioeconomic status. For example, people with a lower socioeconomic status tend to have poorer quality diets, eating fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, than people with a higher socioeconomic status.
Canada's nutrition policies, such as putting nutrition facts tables on packaged foods, Canada's Food Guide and the recent Healthy Eating Strategy, mainly provide information and do little to address the underlying causes of unhealthy eating. Existing policies may not be as effective in improving diet as they could be.
![Healthy Eating Habits for Children and Teens]( "Healthy Eating Habits for Children and Teens")
It is important to teach kids what is healthy eating and how to eat healthy. Healthy eating tips for kids must include creative recipes and presentations.
"Such policies are unlikely to substantially improve diet quality in Canada, particularly among individuals with a lower social position, because they do not address the root causes of poor diet quality in daily life," says Dr. Dana Lee Olstad, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta. "For example, even if warning labels are put on unhealthy foods, lower-income Canadians may still purchase them because of lower cost if healthier options are unaffordable."
Partnerships are needed between government ministries responsible for health, Indigenous affairs, housing, taxation, and others to implement policies that address nutrition, along with the social determinants of health.
"[W]e propose that the next phase of action to improve the quality of Canadians' diets should concentrate on partnerships with nonhealth actors on bold policy measures to address the social determinants of health, along with equity-oriented nutrition policies. Some of the most powerful policies will be those that improve economic security, reduce precarious employment and ensure access to postsecondary education regardless of ability to pay," writes Dr. Olstad with coauthors.
By doing this, say the authors, Canada can reprise its role as a world leader in health promotion.
Source: Eurekalert
Healthy Eating Habits for Children and Teens
It is important to teach kids what is healthy eating and how to eat healthy. Healthy eating tips for kids must include creative recipes and presentations.
Advertisement
"Such policies are unlikely to substantially improve diet quality in Canada, particularly among individuals with a lower social position, because they do not address the root causes of poor diet quality in daily life," says Dr. Dana Lee Olstad, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta. "For example, even if warning labels are put on unhealthy foods, lower-income Canadians may still purchase them because of lower cost if healthier options are unaffordable."
Partnerships are needed between government ministries responsible for health, Indigenous affairs, housing, taxation, and others to implement policies that address nutrition, along with the social determinants of health.
"[W]e propose that the next phase of action to improve the quality of Canadians' diets should concentrate on partnerships with nonhealth actors on bold policy measures to address the social determinants of health, along with equity-oriented nutrition policies. Some of the most powerful policies will be those that improve economic security, reduce precarious employment and ensure access to postsecondary education regardless of ability to pay," writes Dr. Olstad with coauthors.
By doing this, say the authors, Canada can reprise its role as a world leader in health promotion.
Source: Eurekalert
Top 8 Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating
Eating right goes a long way in preventing heart ailments. The key is to have low-fat, low sodium, high fiber foods and foods that are rich in omega-3 content.
Advertisement
 Healthy Diet Can Protect Your Cells from AgingHealthy diet can protect your cells, promote healthy cellular aging and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Latest Diet & Nutrition News
The research highlighted the importance of consuming green Mediterranean diet, including lower consumption of processed food in maintaining optimal brain health.
By adopting clean eating and incorporating fresh foods, individuals can protect themselves against potential health issues, posed by today's fast-paced society.
Sucralose-6-acetate commonly found in sweeteners is tagged as genotoxic. The chemical was found to damage the DNA in cells.
Experts believe it is unlikely that information about the health benefits of whole grains alone can boost whole grain consumption to the recommended level.
When comparing plant-based and dairy yogurts, almond milk yogurt was identified as the nutritionally superior option.