According to the recently completed study, Economic Impact to Manitoba of Increased Adoption of Healthy Food and Food Ingredients for Chronic Disease Management and Mitigation, there is substantial potential savings of between $360 to 400 million annually to the health care system in Manitoba by changing eating habits to include more functional foods – a reduction of more than 10% of the annual health costs in the province.
Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network Inc. (MAHRN) defines functional foods as “familiar foods that have a health effect beyond basic nutrition. All foods provide nutrients like protein that we need to grow. Functional foods have higher levels of certain nutrients like antioxidants; or more of a particular healthy compound like omega 3 fatty acids that have been shown to improve health. These are often referred to as ‘bioactives’- meaning they have a Biologically Active role in the body.”
Agriculture economist Maria Jose Patiño Valiente, MSc used the Canadian Climate Advantage Diet (CCAD) model developed by MAHRN as the basis for determining the economic impact of increased consumption of functional foods on health care costs associated with diabetes and heart disease. CCAD promotes the health benefits from increased consumption of Canadian grown and processed crops and (particularly grass-fed) livestock products.
MAHRN, the sponsor of the study, develops plant and animal-based bioactive compounds and supports the commercialization of these bioactives as functional foods, food ingredients and natural health products through project coordination, communications, outreach and test market services.
MAHRN Executive Director Lee Anne Murphy says, “This economic validation is additional evidence of the fit of Manitoba’s “Foods for Health” strategy for improving population wellness as well as returns to growers and food processors.”
