We’ll skip the cake and pay attention to healthy options on the 20th birthday of this food column.

It’s been 20 years of food tips

Prairie Fare: In that time this column has covered topics from apples to zucchini and everything in between

What would you think about writing a weekly column?” a couple of editors from the NDSU Extension Service asked me. “What if no papers run it?” I responded. “Oh, they will,” they replied in unison. “Writing something new every week can get to be a grind, though,” one of them added. “And what if the

Editorial: Food for thought

The federal government has suddenly taken an interest in food. It is about much more than growing agriculture and food exports, although that’s certainly one of the stated goals. It is beginning discussions toward a national food policy for the country. As Glacier FarmMedia staff writer John Greig outlined in a recent article (“Farm and


Earl (l) and Derek McLaren, seen here with their grandfather’s original potato harvester, have launched a new potato-derived human health product.

New potato-derived health product hits store shelves

Two Carberry brothers are hopeful results from newly published clinical trials will spur growth of their company MSPrebiotics Inc.

A Carberry business that successfully launched a natural health product for the hog sector has now released a second-generation product aimed at the human market. It’s a product clinical trials show can significantly improve the digestive health of humans, particularly seniors. Earl and Derek McLaren, the Carberry-based brothers who own the company, recently saw their

Full-fat cheese and other dairy products won’t contribute to heart attack and stroke, according to a recent study.

Dairy fat not heart and stroke culprit

A major analysis of past studies says the risk from 
dairy fat has been overstated

A review of 29 health studies involving more than a million patients says dairy fat doesn’t increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. These findings challenge the widely held belief that dairy products can damage health. In fact the analysis found that even full-fat versions of dairy favourites like cheese, yogurt and sour cream

Don't believe everything you see or hear. Asking a few questions and having a bit of healthy skepticism can let you make better decisions.

The truth behind nutrition and health headlines

Asking questions is a great start when it comes to sorting fact from fiction

“An intern was asking how many cans of pop you drink a day,” one of our program assistants commented a few years ago.“She said you carry around a can of soda all day,” the program assistant continued with a laugh.She knew the truth and was teasing me. “It’s the same can!” I replied. “After I


Canola oil is one of the better oil choices for any kitchen.

Time for an oil change?

Oils are generally more healthful than solid fats, but they can become rancid more quickly

Have you ever been startled by the unpleasant aroma of a previously opened container of oil or solid shortening? I have a recipe that works best with a particular type of solid shortening. I hadn’t made the recipe for several months, so I reached into the cupboard and pulled out the container. When I opened

Weanling pigs can thrive on plant-based protein diets, 
a recent study shows.

Soy protein concentrate a replacement in piglet diets

It’s a functional — and less expensive — alternative to 
animal protein sources

Animal nutritionists have long known that plant-based protein sources are less expensive for swine feed rations. But until recently they’ve worried over some anti-nutritional factors that can negatively affect gut health and growth performance in weanling pigs. Recent research from the University of Illinois has shown that soy protein concentrate (SPC) may be partly or

Manitoba Canola Growers Association president Chuck Fossay (r) presented Carla Taylor, of the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine at the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre with the Canola Award of Excellence at the CropConnect banquet in Winnipeg Feb. 15.

Canola growers recognize health researcher

Dr. Carla Taylor has been researching the health effects of canola oil

A Winnipeg-based nutrition researcher is the latest recipient of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association Canola Award of Excellence. The University of Manitoba’s Carla Taylor has, along with Peter Zahradka and a team of trainees and staff, been researching the health benefits of canola oil for more than a decade. The award was presented last week


Vitamin supplements can help make up dietary shortfalls, but consult your doctor first because some health issues can mean a greater need for them.

Do you need a vitamin pill?

Do your homework before taking vitamin supplements

You need to eat more vegetables,” my husband said to our 13-year-old daughter. He was scraping the uneaten vegetables from her plate while she was getting a daily kids’ vitamin for herself. I walked into the kitchen during their conversation. “I really don’t like vegetables,” she announced a little sheepishly. I can attest that she

Health Canada is recommending nutrition label changes.

New food nutritional label guidelines in the works

The changes are part of a Health Canada strategy to promote healthy eating

The federal government is serving up changes to its nutrition labelling rules to help consumers make healthier food choices. The changes are part of Health Minister Jane Philpott’s Healthy Eating Strategy, to encourage Canadians to reduce their consumption of salt, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. The big changes for consumers will be in the nutrition