The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to significant global economic disruptions, sharply increasing food prices. In January 2023, food inflation in Canada was at 10.4% – this was the highest level over the past 40 years.1 This surge affected all major food groups, including fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, and meats (Fig.1).1,2 Specifically, fruits and vegetables saw … Read more
Dietary Protein, Canada’s Food Guide and Health We all know that dietary protein is integral for our health, keeping our muscles strong. But what about our oral health? Does dietary protein have a role in the health of our gums and teeth? Does the source of the protein matter? The question around protein source, plant … Read more
ERIODONTAL DISEASE AND A PLANT-BASED DIET What is a ‘plant-based diet’? Essentially, this is an umbrella term that describes a diet characterized by a focus on food sources from plants with a lower, although not necessarily eliminated, consumption of animal and animal-derived products. Canadians are hearing and reading about this topic more and more, especially … Read more
When scientists want to know what our ancient ancestors ate, they can look at a few things: fossilized animal bones with marks from tools used to butcher and cut them; fossilized poop; and teeth. The first two can tell us a lot, but they’re hard to come by in the fossil record. Thankfully, there are … Read more
“Superfood” – a term we are increasingly exposed to in our daily life. From food packaging, trendy beverage vendors and cafes, books promising a way to lose weight or live longer, or in the broader media, the term is everywhere. But what does it mean? What is a “superfood”? It is “a nutrient-rich food considered … Read more
You are what you eat. My next door neighbour is a well respected urologist of Chinese extraction. As such, his patient base is replete with many of those who have emigrated to Canada from China and the Far East. He is also a researcher and in the course of conversation one day, he discussed an … Read more