Canadian Canola Oil Helps Mexicans Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Mexico City, September 29, 2015 – Today, CanolaInfo celebrates World Heart Day in Mexico to raise awareness of ways to prevent cardiovascular disease. This disease is a primary cause of death among Mexicans and people all over the world. Canola oil, which is the number two culinary oil by volume in Mexico, can help reduce the risk of heart disease when used in place of saturated fat.
“CanolaInfo is proud to be a partner of the World Heart Federation, helping it to achieve a 25 percent reduction in premature death from cardiovascular disease by 2025,” says Bruce Jowett, vice president of market development at the Canola Council of Canada. “Mexico is a priority market for us both and we share the goal of promoting heart-healthy eating.”
As the global promotion program of the Canola Council of Canada, CanolaInfo has been working in Mexico since 2008 to promote such information. Scientific studies show that just 1.5 tablespoons of canola oil a day, when used in place of saturated fat, is enough to help keep the cardiologist away.
World Heart Day is the official observance of the World Heart Federation. This year, the federation recommends reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through the creation of healthy environments, whether at home, work or school. A healthy environment includes healthier foods and ingredients like canola oil.
“In Mexico, it is normal to eat food with a lot of fat and usually it is high in saturated fat because food is made with lard or butter,” says Debby Braun, food engineer and nutrition consultant in Mexico City. “Substituting this solid fat with vegetable oils low in saturated fat like canola oil is an easy change Mexicans can make to improve heart health.”
According to the World Heart Federation, there are 17.3 million deaths from cardiovascular disease globally each year. Most of these deaths can be prevented with lifestyle changes.
“If saturated fat is consumed in excess, it can increase the risk of heart disease,” notes Braun. “That’s why it`s important to know the types of fat we consume in our daily diet and replace saturated fat with healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.”
Canola is Canada´s top agricultural export to Mexico, which is its fourth largest canola customer. Canola oil accounts for about 26 per cent of all oil consumed in Mexico.
“Canadian canola oil contributes to healthier diets in Mexico and around the world,” says Jowett. “That´s why partnering with organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, such as the World Heart Federation, is a key objective for CanolaInfo. Together, we hope to inspire people to eat better and live longer.”
CanolaInfo is the oil promotion program of the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). The CCC is a full value chain organization representing canola growers, value added processors, life science companies and exporters. Keep it Coming 2025 is the strategic plan to ensure the canola industry’s continued growth, demand, stability and success – achieving 52 bushels per acre to meet global market demand of 26 million metric tonnes by the year 2025.
For more information on canola oil, please visit CanolaInfo.org.
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Media may contact:
Heidi Dancho, Director, Communications
204-982-2108
danchoh@canolacouncil.org
