Letters from our readers

Cancer Fighter in Milk – Anywhere Else?

You had an article in the Spring issue about the benefits of milk as a cancer fighter. The article said “CLA is an essential fatty acid found in milk fat …” My questions are do you get the benefit of CLA from skim milk? Is CLA found in any other natural food source? Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
Dale Grannary
e-mail

Publisher’s note:

Catherine Field, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the U of A, says that CLA is associated with fat in dairy products. So, the higher the fat content in milk (or other dairy products such as chocolate milk, cheese and yogurt), the greater the amount of CLA in that product. For example, 1% milk would have less CLA than 2% milk because it contains less milk fat. As for other natural sources, Dr. Field says that CLA is found in the fat associated with the meat of cud-chewing animals, like cows and sheep. CLA is not only found in the fat surrounding meat, but within the tissue fat as well, so even if you eat lean meat you’ll be taking in CLA.

Food for Thought for Kids

Could you maybe include some kidfriendly recipes that the kids can help make?
Heather Bernier
Leduc

I’d like to see fun activities and puzzles for children.
Doreen Lupaschuk
Sherwood Park

Publisher’s note:

We are pleased to introduce a new, regular feature in this issue of FFT.

“Just for Kids” has interesting and fun information about agriculture and food including kid-friendly recipes, activities, fun-facts and much more.

Food Allergies

I just discovered soya-butter, a very good alternative for people with food allergies – especially nuts. Are there other products I should know about?
Eileen Hurshowy
Edmonton

Publisher’s note:

Food allergies and in particular nut allergies are a common food and health concern for many people. We have found an interesting new product called “pea butter”, produced in Alberta, which is an alternative to peanut butter and suitable for people with nut allergies.

Recipe, Recipes and More Recipes!

I’d like the opportunity to contribute to the recipes section with personal recipes from one’s kitchen.
Gerry Matthews
Manning

I would like to see more recipes and more info on Alberta cheeses.
Bill Ryan
Edson

Publisher’s note:

One overwhelming response we receive from our readers is the request for more recipes! You’ll see many more in this issue and online.

The Many Faces of Alberta

While I found your magazine interesting and well-intended, I was disappointed by the lack of representation of people of colour in Food for Thought.
S. Anderson
Edmonton

Publisher’s Note:

We appreciate your comments. With this and future issues we will endeavor to reflect the reality of our diverse province in the photographs and features we present.

What’s on your mind?

We’d like to know what you think. Drop us a line, or send an email and give us your thoughts about articles you’ve read, or issues you’d like to see in the future. Please keep your letter or email short. We reserve the right to edit for length. While we will endeavour to print as many contributions as possible, we cannot guarantee publication.

Please direct letters to:

Growing Alberta
Suite 201, 8704-51 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 5E8

Phone (780) 466-7905, fax to (780) 466-7928 or send an email to info@growingalberta.com.