Sunny Crunch Foods
Good-for-you and delicious have come together. Markham-based, Sunny Crunch Foods is a leader in the manufacturing of healthy foods and nutritionally balanced food products.
We’ve been told by nutritionists, dieticians and family doctors… eating a well-balanced, fibre-rich and nutritious diet is good for us. And we try, I know we try.
Thirty years ago, fibre-rich food was an unknown commodity. In fact, when Willie Pelzer of Sunny Crunch started making healthy, fibre-rich cereal, 36 years ago, the government didn’t know how to respond. Health Canada and other government departments insisted fibre wasn’t necessary for a healthy diet. Thankfully Pelzer and other pioneers in the health food industry persevered and continued to develop fibre-rich, good-tasting foods and cereals – now a well-known dietary staple.
Dietary fibre is vitally important for maintaining health and preventing disease. Recent studies indicate that a sufficient intake of fibre-rich foods may help prevent obesity, colon cancer, heart disease, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and diabetic conditions. To get maximum benefit, choose a variety of fibre-rich foods to balance soluble and insoluble fibre; and aim for 25-35 grams of total dietary fibre each day.
Sunny Crunch Foods recently announced their move to organic production and manufacturing of cereals and nutritionally balanced foods. “The organic certification took significant time but its well worth the effort because it assures customers and families that these products have met certain standards”, says Hitesh Vyas, VP of Technical and Business Development at Sunny Crunch. The QAI (Quality Assurance International) certifies the Sunny Crunch facility and manufacturing processes and assures the public, through the logo on its packaging, that every step of production is organic – from grower to distribution.
Health Benefits of Fibre
Higher fibre diets appear to be associated with fewer digestive complaints, better blood-sugar control, lower blood-cholesterol levels and reduced rates of colon cancer, heart and kidney disease.
• Soluble fibre slows down digestion. This helps slow the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar and helps stabilize blood glucose levels.
• The swelling-effect of fibre along with extended time in the stomach increases our feeling of “fullness” without adding calories.
• Fibre binds with bile acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing them from being absorbed by the body.
• Insoluble fibre increases stool volume and stimulates bowel contractions reducing the time in the colon.
Fortunately, we’re blessed with a wide assortment of delicious and healthy foods from which to pick. Eating healthy, fibre-rich meals is a worthwhile goal. Eating delicious, healthy meals and snacks is possible.
Boosting your fibre intake.
• Increase the amount of fibre in your diet slowly. It’ll take your body some time to adjust. Too much fibre, too soon, can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help your body use fibre properly, prevents constipation, bloating and gas.
• Eat a variety of high-fibre foods. This ensures that you will be getting both soluble and insoluble fibre.
• Choose whole grain breads and cereals every day (e.g., whole wheat instead of white bread)
• Enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables with the skins on whenever possible. Washing fruits and vegetables is very important, as well.
• Make legumes such as chick peas, beans and lentils part of your regular meals.
• Start your day with a high-fibre cereal. Top off your cereal with some fresh fruit.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
