(NC) Statistics Canada estimates that as many as seven in 10 Canadians use natural health products on a regular basis. These same statistics show a large number of us suffer from nutritional deficiencies because of an inadequate or inappropriate intake of food.
“Canadians are increasingly embracing natural health products to maintain their health and wellbeing,” says Helen Long, president of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), an organization that this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary as Canada's largest trade association dedicated to natural health and organic products. “These products also help to effectively bridge the gap for those of us who cannot meet our nutritional needs from food alone.”
Many healthcare practitioners recommend natural health products for overall health and wellness and to bridge nutrient gaps. “Health is a life-long journey that includes healthy foods, exercise and natural health products and there is clear scientific evidence that these products work when taken as part of an integrative approach to health,” adds Long.
Natural health products authorized for sale in Canada are bound by strict regulations and testing to ensure safety and efficacy. When shopping for your supplements, always make sure to check the label and look for the eight-digit natural product number (NPN) on the label which is your confirmation that the product you are buying has been reviewed and approved by Health Canada.
Knowledgeable staff in your natural health food store can help you identify which products are right for you. More information is available online at chfa.ca.
Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'. Reading. Listening. Learning. Improving. Hanging out with successful people. Photographer. Pirate. Bubby. CANADA @pattifriday
