Whataboutwheat.com new resource for Canadian wheat nutrition

Winnipeg – A new resource for up-to-date, science-based wheat nutrition information provides answers to questions about fibre, gut health and healthy grains.

“What About Wheat?” is a campaign and website (WhatAboutWheat.ca)  developed for dietitians and consumers by the Canadian Wheat Nutrition Initiative to showcase Canadian wheat as part of a healthy diet.

“Our goal is to make it simple for nutrition professionals to find and share wheat nutrition information with clients, and for consumers to learn more about wheat,” Elaine Sopiwnyk, Cereals Canada vice-president of technical services and member of the CNWI working group.

Backed by nutrition research and vetted through the Science Advisory Council, the educational campaign is focused on evidence-based answers to common questions about wheat nutrition and the role of wheat-based foods in healthy eating. This includes the importance of whole grain dietary fibre in the promotion of gut health, enrichment and fortification of all-purpose flour, and embracing gluten as a protein.

“This resource is extremely helpful for increasing Registered Dietitians’ understanding of all things related to wheat including the fundamental basics, the health benefits of wheat and the latest nutrition research related to wheat,” said Alison Duncan, SAC member, Registered Dietitian and professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph.

In addition to nutrition information, dietitians and consumers can visit WhatAboutWheat.ca to discover the Canadian wheat story, which includes the sustainability practices Canadian farmers use to produce the nutritious and versatile crop.

“People who visit the site will get a chance to learn what makes Canadian wheat special and why it is sought after around the world for its protein, quality and versatility,” Sopiwnyk said. She points to how it is grown and milled as what sets it apart.

“Wheat and flour in Canada is produced by a team of experts – from research scientists and farmers to grain handlers and millers – who follow stringent protocols that ensure food quality and safety,” she said.

WhatAboutWheat.ca will be continually updated with wheat nutrition research findings and resources such as handouts and videos. Dietitians and consumers can follow and engage @whataboutwheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Canadian Wheat Nutrition Initiative includes partner organizations Cereals Canada, the Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Canadian National Millers Association.

CWNI is supported by a Science Advisory Council, a group of qualified researchers and registered dietitians who provide unbiased, timely insights on wheat research.