Healthy Vegan Diet for Weight Loss

Losing weight on a natural vegan diet is often very easy. This is because fruits and vegetables generally contain fewer calories than foods made with animal products. There is a difference between losing weight and losing fat. Most people want to maintain their muscle mass: This can be a little difficult with a vegan diet because complete proteins are found in meat, eggs and dairy. However, you can still utilize the partial proteins in fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts to get the complete protein you need. A vegan diet will actually add a more variety to your eating habits.

Planning Your Vegan Diet Needs

You'll want to use a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bodybuilding.com has a great list of complete vegan proteins that you can include in your diet. There are countless vegan recipes for you to try. Consume high protein foods that will give you a sense of satiety and avoid foods with processed sugars, as certain types of sugars will spike your insulin and trigger your body to store more fat than it should. A balanced vegan diet that contains only natural sugars is ideal. Taking a multivitamin that is specially formulated for vegans is also a great idea. Create a list of twenty good meals that you can cycle through on a monthly basis. You can always add more in the future, but creating a varied diet plan will ensure that you won't get bored and fall back on meat and animal products.

Reading Food Labels

You'll want to be careful when you purchase processed foods because many have hidden meat and dairy ingredients. PETA has a great list of apps that will help you select vegan foods. Make sure that you avoid added sugars and trans fats. The best ingredients that a vegan can buy are whole foods. Spending an hour in the kitchen to prepare weekly meals from whole foods is a great idea: You can make large batches of vegan soup and pasta, but avoid canned pasta sauces because these may contain added cheese and rennet.

Calories, Carbohydrates and Fat

The major rules about weight loss are pretty much set in stone. Reducing your calories will cause your body to burn up fat stores. Consuming fat usually does not make you fat. Eating a lot of carbohydrates will slow your weight loss because your body is going to be burning off the carbohydrates before it accesses the fat stores. Roughly thirty percent of your calories should be carbohydrates. Avocado is a great vegan food because it has high calories and very few carbs. You can use a calorie calculator like this one to determine how many calories you need to safely lose fat. You can always do cardiovascular exercise to burn off excess calories as well.

Diversity Grows in Ontario

Food pavilion at the Green Living Show is a chance to Taste Ontario, Taste the World

TORONTO, Ont. — More than 30 chefs, breweries, wineries and cideries will be on hand to showcase the diversity and cultural traditions that make up Canada’s food and drink landscape at the Green Living Show.

This year’s Delicious Local Food & Drink Pavilion, in partnership with Foodland Ontario, features chefs from Canada and around the world, who will use local and sustainably sourced Ontario ingredients to showcase old family recipes and favourite dishes that best reflect their heritage.

“We are thrilled to offer visitors a culinary trip around the world, while highlighting ingredients that can be found in our own backyards,” says Laurie Simmonds, President and CEO of Green Living Enterprises. “Join us as we applaud the community, vibrancy and diversity of our country through the many tastes of its global kitchens.”

Some of the fare available at the Taste Ontario, Taste the World food pavilion includes:

TIBET — Chef Tsewang Chodon from TC’s MoMo will be preparing vegetarian and beef MoMos and vegetarian pasta noodles. @tctibetanmomo.

HAITI & SCOTLAND — Chef Daniel Holloway from Urban Acorn Catering is serving a Haitian black bean Accra with red pepper Ti Malice, cabbage Pikliz and fried parsnip chips and a Scottish lox with house-smoked carrot, chive and potato scone topped with creamed edamame and dill crème fraîche. @UrbanAcornCa

SPAIN & LATIN AMERICA — Chef José Arato from Pimentón is serving up paella and mini arepas. @PimentonTO.

FRANCE — Lavelle Chef Romain Avril is sampling a honey cake with honey lavender ice cream and honeycomb plus a terrine with pickles and crostini. @chezlavelle.

MEXICO — Santo Pecado chef Paola Solorzano will be showcasing a re-interpretation of the iconic tacos on the streets of Mexico City with a vegan three sisters taco and a pulled chicken tinga taco. @santopecadoTO.

CANADA —PEI Foods Chef Robert Pendergast celebrates his Acadian and Irish ancestry through food, music and art and will be serving chicken fricot stew, oysters with a wild blueberry mignonette and a sweet apple cake with maple. @ChefPendergast.

CANADA — European culinary traditions influence the creations of de la terre bakery + café Chef Jan Campbell-Luxton. @delaterrebakery.

SYRIA — Chefs Dalal Al Zoubi, Manahel Al Shareef, Ektimal Al Khabouri and Wafa'a Abo Horan are offering the finest from Karam Kitchen —Halloumi cheese pita, vegetarian kibbeh made with Ontario bulgar and falafels. @karamkitchen

CHINA — Hawthorne Food and Drink Chef Ricky Casipe uses the neighbourhoods of Toronto as the inspiration behind his menus, using local, seasonal and sustainable products whenever possible. @hawthorneto

INDIA — Veggie Samosas, Tandoori Chicken Katchumber Salad are on offer from the Magic Oven and chefs Tony and Abby Sabherwal. @magicoven.

MOROCCO — B’Saha Restaurant brings Moroccan street food to Toronto. Sample Chef Otman Haouzi’s Merguez Sandwich and roasted Ontario beet salad with créme fraîche @bsaha_to.

BELGIUM – Jan Vandenbroeck of Wafel Huis makes the real and rare authentic Belgian sugar waffle (free of any additives), topped with seasonal fruits and whipped cream.

ITALY - Chef Anthony Lamacchia of Porcello Cantina, serves family inspired recipes from Southern Italy with a local inspiration, resurrecting childhood favourites. He will be serving arancini, meatballs and garlic ndoni bread knots. @porcellocantina

COFFEE — Roast Magazine’s top micro-roaster of 2016, Propeller Coffee Co. is passionate about sustainably sourcing, roasting and distributing the world’s best coffees. Head Roaster Jonathan Cox will be pouring drip coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, cold brew and a selection of teas. @propellercoffeeco.

WINE & MEAD — As Canada’s first winery and meadery, Rosewood Estates Winery produces both wine and mead (honey wine) using estate grown grapes and estate produced honey. @rosewoodwine.

WINE — Southbrook Vineyards is Canada’s first winery certified as both organic and biodynamic.  @SouthbrookVineyards.  Megalomaniac is a 110-acre winery resting a top the Niagara Escarpment. @Megalomaniacjhc

CRAFT BEER — Promoting the best craft beer in Ontario, The Griffin Gastropub is bringing a broad selection of 18 brews and ciders to the Green Living Show. @griffingastro.

SPIRITS — Beattie’s Distillers creates potato vodka from the same land the family has been farming for a century with sustainability at the forefront. @BeattiesDistillers.

Food tickets are available for purchase at the Green Living Show Box Office on the main floor of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building and on the main show floor in the Delicious Local Food & Drink Pavilion. All dishes are $4 and under!

BONUS: Admission includes one FREE sample ticket to the gourmet Food and Wine Pavilion. Not applicable to children 12 & under, must be 19+ to purchase or consume alcohol.

WAYS TO GET IN FOR FREE:

• Show your PRESTOcard or April METROPASS
  • Show the Live Greenapp on your phone
  • For all WWF CN Tower climbers - register here!

The Green Living Show takes place April 7^th to 9^th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information on living a healthier more sustainable lifestyle, please visit greenlivingshow.ca. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow the Green Living Show on Twitter and Instagram @GreenLivingPage.

Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; innovative products; eco home and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

About Green Living Enterprises 

Green Living Enterprises is Canada’s leading cause-marketing agency focused on social and environmental program development. Our team is led by award-winning industry experts in the fields of brand and program development; custom content; advertising, marketing and communications; and event management. Green Living Enterprises also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest consumer show, dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

The ParticipACTION 150 Play List Tour, in honor of Canada’s 150th birthday,
is coming to Toronto, ON for May 5th and 6th, 2017!

Join us in celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday at one of our cross-country tour stops! You can find our crew in Toronto at the 2017 Canadian Squash Championships as we challenge Canadians to complete as many physical activities from the Play List as possible. Stop by to knock a few off your own list, or try a unique featured activity. Track activities online for your chance to win great prizes!

Stop by to learn more about the 150 Play List, where you can:

• Register for the 150 Play List and learn about the 150 activities
• Check a few activities off your list all at once, including squash
• Share photos of your experience on social media with the hashtag#150playlist

For more details about the 2017 Canadian Squash Championships, visit:http://www.squash.ca/en/events

Not registered for the 150 Play List yet? Come register at our tour stop or sign up here: www.participACTION.com/150

When you think of at home water pitcher water filters you probably think of a jazzy snazzy commercial. BUT have you tried ZeroWater?

SPIbelt - Keep All Of Your Personal Items On You While You Train - A Review

Now that the weather is breaking and a lot of us are planning to shift out workouts from outside to inside. But working out outside brings its challenges. One of the most inconvenient of them is not being able to carry everything that you need without a backpack or feeling and hearing your items like your keys, phone and maybe carbs flopping in your pockets. I know I also tend to worry about dropping something or something slipping out during my run. That's why I decided to look into SPIbelt and give it a try.

What drew me was the fact that I would be able to carry everything I needed without the stress or annoyance that usually comes a long with it. The SPIbelt had enough room in it to fit my keys, phone and money. I loved the way everything fit so snug and secure. I was able to try it out on a hike and it didn't disappoint! I liked it so much, that I carried it to the gym with me to help me keep up with everything and I really liked it.

We've all tried fanny packs but not only are hey not really cute, but I always have a problem with them riding up. I didn't have this problem at all with the SPIbelt.

If you're into being active outdoors, I would suggest the SPIbelt. You might even like it at the gym if you don't have access to a locker.

Try it out. I got mine from SPIbelt.com

Natural personal-care line founder, Shannon Drake shares the dirt on ingredients to watch out for in toothpaste to keep your pearly whites white, and your body safe from toxins 

Have you ever read the ingredients in your toothpaste? Scary right? Founder, chief beautifucication officer and lead dirty girl Shannon Drake will help guide you  through the top toothpaste ingredients to look out for: the good, the bad and the ugly! She developed this super-natural line The Dirt, only four years ago, and swaps out only all-natural ingredients completely natural and free of gluten, soy, corn and grain. Drake invented the first ever MCT (coconut oil) based toothpaste and top selling clay toothpowder, and has developed a cult following accross the country and beyond.
"I want to change our morning routine into a self care ritual. We are gifted these amazing human bodies for our short trip around the sun, when we take care of ourselves we are showing our appreciation for this amazing opportunity we are given. By changing our routines into a self care ritual we are fundamentally changing our experience of reality into one based around a pleasurable, luxurious, engaged human experience. As a long time practitioner of the paleo lifestyle I noticed  something about my favorite natural products... they were pretty lame. Many used ingredients that were highly processed, questionably safe and just seemed 'green washed'. I felt really let down," explains Drake, "Using the principals of the paleo lifestyle; a 'whole foods' life style based on clean eating and high nutrients I drew inspiration from my passion for studying traditional beauty secrets from around the world to craft high quality, beautiful and natural products for women, men and kids too."

Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly on toothpaste and what to look out for:

The Good

Coconut Oil - Everyone’s favorite oil, it is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and helps to balance and moisturize the delicate skin on the mouth protecting against sores and dry mouth.

Bentonite Clay - An amazing edible clay that has been used to detoxify the body for hundreds of years!, It is a mild abrasive and is gentle on teeth.

Myrrh - Used since ancient times to heal and protect the gums, it is Anti-bacterial and naturally heals wounds and sores of the mouth like canker sores.

Clove - Is a natural toothache aide, a little bit of close will not only numb tooth pain but also helps to fight any infection that may be causing the pain.

The Bad

Artificial sweetener - Aspartame, saccharin, Sucralose, mother nature didn’t make these and you should avoid them in your toothpaste. They are associated with many chronic diseases like shrinkage of the thymus gland, reduced growth rate, dementia, some cancers and immune diseases. These sweeteners are in a lot of processed foods so many people already get a high dose of these sweeteners. They are easily avoided in toothpaste.

Artificial preservatives - Artificial preservatives can cause inflammation in some individuals, also some people have bad reactions to preservatives and may get dry chapped lips or break outs from these preservatives touching their lips during brushing.

The Ugly

Plastic Microbeads - Plastic is ruining our planet and while it may be hard to avoid completely it is easily avoided as an ingredient in toothpaste. sparkly bits, flecks or white dots clue you into plastic micro beads in your paste. Not only do these tiny beads get into our water system and poison fish but they also can wedge themselves in-between your teeth and gums, opening up space where bacteria can plaque can settle.

Propylene glycol -  When derived from petroleum Propylene glycol is an artificial substance the is not optimal for your system.

Triclosan - Used as an anti-bacterial agent triclosan kills not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in your mouth. It also gets into the water system and kills microscopic organisms that are essential to the eco system. It was developed to be a pesticide and has been tied to endocrine disruption, thyroid disorders and one study showed it gave mice fetal bone disorder. People who use Triclosan toothpastes have been shown to have it in their urine, proving that although we spit out our toothpaste, the chemical ingredients still get into our system.

Click here to see our video with Shannon explaining the good, the bad and the ugly on toothpaste

Shannon's natural must-have solutions to keep your mouth minty fresh, teeth pearly white 

Oil Pulling Mouthwash - $40

Why yes, you read that right - this excellent elixir is both an oil pull and a mouthwash. Fancy a fix of fresh breath? Gargle a gulp for a stint to fend off the funk with clove and mint. On a quest to invest in your oral best? Savor a swig with glee to exile toxins with clove and sesame. So whether you need to rally for a stroll down makeout alley, or embark on a trek to dislodge bacterial drek, our Oil Pulling Mouthwash has that secret sauce that'll keep you saying 'dang, this stuff is BAWSE!'

MCT Oil Toothpaste - $10/$15/$30

The Dirt's MCT Oil Toothpaste, an effective and tasty alternative to synthetic oral care, is a small but mighty. The MCT Oil Toothpaste improves oral health through the use powerful, natural ingredients while building a unique flavour profile. For lovers of the classic toothpaste taste, Rose Cocoa Mint features a strong mint flavour.  Looking for a milder flavour? Give Sweet Cinnamon a try. Last but not least, Cocoa Mint boasts the unique flavour of both bold mint and sweet chocolate.

Dirty Balm Lip Treatment - $10

Can't get enough of the lip balm? The Dirt has got you covered with their Dirty Balm! You've tried every lip balm on the market but you're about to meet your match. The Dirt's lip balm uses traditional beauty secrets from around the world to provide the most effective lip care you have ever tried. This is the BEST lip balm on the PLANET!

Trace Mineral Tooth Brushing Powder - $30

Voted top tech beauty product of 2016 by Instyle on the Today Show,  give mom the  The Dirt's original and best spiced trace mineral tooth brushing powder! Did you know the glycerin in modern toothpaste can coat your teeth and prevent the natural process of re-mineralization that keeps your teeth strong and white? The Dirt is made to support your natural re-mineralization process and get your teeth back to their strong, sparkly selves. It has a sweet spiced orange flavour that will leave your mouth feeling clean and spicy!

Anti-Microbial Copper Tongue Scraper - $10

Give the gift of fresh breath with The Dirt's Copper Tongue Scraper. The Copper Tongue Scraper removes the gunk that brushing alone simply cannot. Why copper? Various forms of copper have been used for medicinal purposes throughout the history of mankind, the Egyptians used copper for their water pipes, ship builders used copper to keep algae off ships, copper has recently been tested in the fight against the deadly MRSA virus.

Clean Mint or Sweet Cinnamon Natural Breath Spray - $10

Looking for an all natural breath spray free of alcohol, artificial flavoring, GMO glycerine or xylitol? The Dirt has the answer for you! Their Breath Sprays use only MCT Coconut oil, therapeutic grade essential oils, and solvent free stevia extract to give you that fresh minty breath you crave, plus a pick me up of healthy essential fatty acids. What other breath spray can do that?  And in honour of Earth Day, their 1oz amber glass bottle keeps your spray fresh while looking sleek and reducing the use of plastic. Recycle the bottle or re-purpose.

Pair with their Toothpowder or MCT Coconut Oil Toothpaste for fresh breath that can't be beat!

###
About The Dirt: The Dirt Paleo Personal Care was founded to start a revolution. We were not satisfied with the natural product lines on the market, many a 'green washed' to look much safer than they actually are and most use soy or corn byproducts which are cheap and unnecessary fillers. We demand more!  We invented the first ever MCT (coconut oil) based toothpaste and top selling clay toothpowder, and has developed a cult following accross the country and beyond.

All of our products are Soy Free, Corn Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Cruelty Free and Natural. We don't use fillers, ever! Our essential oil blends are formulated to preform not just smell good (Sorry other guys). Everything about our product blends is intentional... and awesome.

Because, why should your healthy lifestyle stop at your plate? Fix your face! The dirt is 100% natural 200% kick-ass.

The line has been featured in many media outlets including InStyle, Vogue,  LouLou, Flare, Well+Good, Beauty Editor, The Kit, and The Today Show. Shannon is a great resource both on and off camera and is available for sound-bites or or interviews.

About Shannon Drake, owner and founder: I've been a long time practitioner of the paleo lifestyle. After sticking to an extremely healthy routine, I started to notice something about my favorite natural products... They kinda sucked. I felt let down, many used ingredients that were highly processed, questionably safe and just seemed 'green washed'.

Using the principals of the paleo lifestyle; a 'whole foods' lifestyle, clean eating and high nutrients I drew inspiration from my passion for studying traditional beauty secrets from around the world. I blended potion after potion until the ultimate formulas were created. 'The Dirt' Paleo Personal Care was born.

Ingredients: We're taking 'natural' to the next level. Our blends are made using the highest quality natural ingredients and they are also specially formulated to work with your body in very specific ways. We use essential oils for their healing properties, absolutes for their aromatherapy properties and oils and butters for their nutrients. While you may love a mint lip balm we would not recommend using menthol in a healing balm because it is a mild skin irritant. Likewise olive oil is high in Oleic acid which while moisturizing, can trigger acne in sensitive individuals. In a world full of amazing natural ingredients why settle for 'good enough' we strive for best.

The line can be found online, and can be shipped Nationally in both the U.S. and Canada

Can Pure Maple Syrup Help Reduce Chronic Inflammation?

First-ever Global Symposium Convenes to Review Latest Science on Natural Sweetener

LONGUEUIL, QC, April 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The first-ever global symposium solely dedicated to sharing the latest scientific discoveries on the potential health benefits of 100% pure maple products from Canada took place on April 2 in San Francisco at the 253rd annual meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the largest scientific society in the world. At the symposium entitled, "Chemistry and Biological Effects of Maple Food Products," scientists from around the world shared the results of their research that expands the science of maple's potential impact on several areas affected by chronic inflammation. These include metabolic syndrome, brain health and liver disease, as well as maple's emerging link to a healthy gut microbiome.

The global symposium was organized by Dr. Navindra Seeram, who currently serves as chairman of the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry of the American Chemical Society, and has extensive experience examining the impact of phytonutrients in foods such as berries and pomegranates. In collaboration with the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, Dr. Seeram has been studying the unique properties of maple in his laboratory at the University of Rhode Island since 2009. The results of his research stimulated the interest of the global scientific community, which has uncovered additional health benefits of pure maple products.

A new University of Rhode Island study highlighted at the symposium revealed the presence of inulin, a type of carbohydrate recently discovered for the first time in maple syrup. Inulin is a complex carbohydrate (natural dietary fiber) that acts as a prebiotic and works to encourage the growth of "good" or beneficial bacteria in the gut. Inulin joins the other beneficial polyphenols, vitamins and minerals already identified in pure maple syrup. This latest discovery could allow maple to be classified as a functional food.

In addition, a new study conducted on animals and also revealed at the symposium, focused on the beneficial effect of a symbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) maple sap drink in recovering gut flora balance, which may have been lost for several reasons, including treatment with antibiotics.

"A healthy gut, with a balance of beneficial bacteria, helps to stimulate and support a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system, then, can help protect the body against chronic inflammation," said Dr. Seeram. "Chronic inflammation has shown a potential link to brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. As such, this research provides additional information linking pure maple syrup, a unique natural sweetener, to brain health. However, additional animal studies, along with eventual human studies, would be required to confirm these initial findings."

This year, two newly discovered additional compounds with antioxidant properties and potential health benefits have been identified in the lignan's family, bringing the total count of known phytonutrients in maple products to 65. This may help support discoveries made over the past few years on the inherent properties of maple syrup from Canada that comes directly from the sap of the maple tree, making it an all-natural product with unique health benefits. Discovered in 2011, a unique, polyphenolic molecule in maple syrup, Quebecol¹, and one of its analogues (isoquebecol, recently synthesized), have demonstrated that it significantly decreases the production of inflammation mediators.

"The 7,500 Quebec-based maple producers are committed to pursue the funding of new research to help further identify the positive health impacts of pure maple," said Serge Beaulieu, President of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. "This is why we have chosen to work with Dr. Seeram along with other researchers. Dr. Seeram's tremendous experience studying the impact of phytonutrients in plants and fruits has propelled maple research since he began studying the natural sweetener in 2009. There is still much to discover about maple's health benefits and the scientific community has only begun to uncover the tip of the iceberg. We will continue to allocate resources to research on maple products to discover its impacts on the human body."

Inflammation is a normal part of a healthy immune response and is a biological process that helps heal injury and fight infection. When inflammation becomes uncontrolled or chronic, it plays a role in exacerbating a variety of health-related issues. There are several ways to help prevent and combat chronic inflammation. A diet rich in foods that contain polyphenols, such as green tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables – and potentially pure maple syrup from Canada – may be beneficial for supporting a healthy immune system.

The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers does not promote an increase of sugar consumption. When choosing a sweetener for moderate use, it appears that 100% pure maple syrup from Canada has more healthful compounds compared to some other sources of sugar.

About the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and Maple Products from Quebec

The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (FPAQ) was founded in 1966. Its mission is to defend and promote the economic, social and moral interests of some 7,500 Quebec maple businesses, as well as to develop initiatives that collectively market the products that flow from Quebec's 44 million taps. The quality work of these maple producers has made Quebec the source, on average, of 72 percent of the world's maple syrup production and 90 percent of Canada's maple syrup output. Together, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia contribute the other 10 percent of Canadian production.

FPAQ proudly promotes the reference brand Maple Products from Quebec in addition to coordinating the international promotion and value creation of Canadian maple products on behalf of Canada's maple industry. In this capacity, the FPAQ leads and directs the research efforts of the Réseau international d'innovation des produits d'érable du Canada.

_________________________
¹ Li, L., Seeram, N.P. Quebecol, a novel phenolic compound isolated from Canadian maple syrup. Journal of Functional Foods 2011, 3, 125-128.

SOURCE Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

2017 Canadian Green Car Award Finalists Announced

Overall winner to be revealed April 7^th at the Green Living show

TORONTO, Ont. — In what is likely the tightest competitions in its five-hear history, expert judges have selected six vehicles as finalists for the 2017 Canadian Green Car Award.

The overall winner will be revealed Friday, April 7^th, at the Green Living Show, in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The finalists were selected after extensive testing and assessment by the judges, all leading Canadian automotive journalists, who picked the top entries in six technology and style categories.*

The finalists are:

The Canadian Green Car Award recognizes vehicles that offer impressive “green” attributes combined with strong mass-market appeal, based on the understanding that any product can have a significant environmental impact only if it sells in large numbers.

To achieve this result, the assessments combined “objective” criteria, such as fuel economy, emissions and price, with the judges’ evaluations of performance, driving experience, value, features and “green” qualities.

“The task for the Canadian Green Car Award judges gets more challenging as automakers continue to raise the bar in technology, fuel economy and quality,” says Laurie Simmonds, President and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, which operates the annual Green Living Show. “The six finalists are all outstanding ‘green’ vehicles, and the judges once again have their work cut out for them in making the ultimate choice.”

The competition began with the Award Steering Committee selecting three nominees in each of the six categories, based on meeting essential “green” criteria related to technology type and fuel economy. The judges then evaluated the nominees, including test drives, data from manufacturers and their own experience. Those scores produced the six category winners announced today.

“This year our judging panel was struck by how mainstream green cars have become,” notes Eric Novak, Co-creator of the Canadian Green Car Award. “The six finalists have demonstrated that by owning a vehicle with minimal environmental impact, one doesn’t need to feel they are making sacrifices in other areas.  Seeing green cars as normal instead of alternative is critical to achieve wide-spread acceptance among car buyers and our finalists this year go a long way towards proving that.”

This open process, in which eligibility doesn’t depend on whether a manufacturer is willing to pay a substantial entry fee, is in line with other global green car awards and makes the program a very meaningful gauge for consumers.

The overall 2017 Canadian Green Car Award winner will be revealed at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 7, at the Green Living Show in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.  Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of Ontario Tire Stewardship, will present the trophy. In addition to declaring the winner, Mr. Horsman will announce an exciting environmental achievement in tire recycling.

All six finalist vehicles will be on display throughout the three-day Show, last year attended by more than 35,000 visitors.

*Basic criteria for each category:

• Zero-emission: Battery electric, fuel cell or other zero-emission technology.
• Plug-in hybrid: Hybrid electric vehicle that uses rechargeable batteries, or another energy storage device, that can be recharged by plugging it in to an external source of electric power.
• Conventional hybrid-electric: Must have combined fuel economy of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower, according to the five-cycle Natural Resources Canada Fuel Consumption Rating or, if that is not yet available, the equivalent U.S. EPA rating.
• Gasoline or diesel internal combustion: Must have combined fuel economy of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.
• Efficient Three-Row: A passenger vehicle of any propulsion technology with at least three forward-facing rows of seating, accommodating at least six occupants. If powered by gasoline or diesel internal combustion, or a conventional hybrid, it must have a combined fuel economy of 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.
• Fun car: Any passenger vehicle of any propulsion technology that accelerates from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 7.5 seconds or faster. If powered by gasoline or diesel internal combustion, or a conventional hybrid, it must have a combined fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres or lower.

For more details on the 2017 Canadian Green Car Award, including the list of all vehicle nominees and the judges who assessed them, visit www.canadiangreencaraward.ca.

The Green Living Show takes place April 7^th to 9^th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information on living a healthier more sustainable lifestyle, please visit greenlivingshow.ca. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow the Green Living Show on Twitter and Instagram @GreenLivingPage.

About Green Living Enterprises 

Green Living Enterprises is Canada’s leading cause-marketing agency focused on social and environmental program development. Our team is led by award-winning industry experts in the fields of brand and program development; custom content; advertising, marketing and communications; and event management. Green Living Enterprises also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada’s largest consumer show, dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

About the Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; innovative products; eco home and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

Getting Outside is Good for You: Five Benefits

Spring is here and families will spend more time outside dining, playing, relaxing, and gardening as the weather improves. And while they may enjoy being outside, they may not know that getting outside is also good for their health. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) outlines five health benefits of getting outside:

Reason #1: Your lawn can make you happier! Our stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. Knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people.

Reason #2: Getting dirty is good for you! Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that Prozac provides. Give your kids a pair of gardening gloves and have them work with you in your green spaces for a hefty dose of Vitamin N(ature) and G(reen). People who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier.

Reason #3: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children. Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery.

Reason #4:  Living landscapes help people and pets be healthier. Playing outdoors increases fitness levels and builds healthy, active bodies. Research also shows that children reap numerous health, social and personal benefits from spending time outside playing.

Reason #5:  Your lawn produces lots of oxygen and cleans the air too. Fifty square feet of grass generates enough oxygen each day for a family of four, and reduces the “code red” effect since grass removes pollutants from the air we breathe.

“Our living landscapes not only provide beauty, but are a stress-reliever, a recreational space, a wildlife habitat, and an outdoor living area,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI. “Studies show that our green spaces contribute to our health, happiness and intellect.”

Our outdoor living spaces offer great health benefits to us. Trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants are integral to human health. They provide a place for children and pets to play and directly contribute to our mental and physical well-being.

For more information please visit www.livinglandscapesmatter.com.

GeneNews Launches Blood-Based, Biomarker Test for Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Women with Elevated Risk Scores are Encouraged to Move to Further Screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI

TORONTO, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN) ("GeneNews" or the "Company") announced today the launch of BreastSentry™, a new risk stratification test for breast cancer, via its Virginia-based clinical reference lab, Innovative Diagnostics Laboratory ("IDL"). BreastSentry incorporates a blood-based biomarker test with a sophisticated algorithm to determine a woman's five-year and lifetime risk for developing breast cancer.

BreastSentry measures the fasting plasma levels of two biomarkers in the blood, proneurotensin ("pro-NT") and proenkephalin ("pro-ENK"), which are highly predictive of a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. Various longitudinal clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of pro-NT and decreased levels of pro-ENK are strong, independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer.^1-17 In addition, BreastSentry measures seven key risk factors, based on the Gail Model, for developing breast cancer to provide an additional level of personal data into the risk stratification algorithm to create an enriched, personalized score. The Gail Model is a statistical breast cancer risk assessment algorithm designed by scientists at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

BreastSentry is intended for use in average risk women who have no family history of breast cancer. However, it is especially suited for the approximate 50% of women who have dense breasts and, therefore, require further risk stratification where mammography leaves off. Elevated risk scores can help physicians determine if further screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI are necessary. Women with elevated risk scores are also encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes in diet and exercise to reduce risk moving forward.

"We are excited to make this test available to women throughout the U.S. who are concerned with their risk for developing breast cancer, especially those 50% of U.S. women with dense breast tissue, who cannot rely on mammography alone to determine if they currently have the disease," said James Howard-Tripp, Chairman and CEO of GeneNews.

Approximately two-thirds of pre-menopausal and one-quarter of post-menopausal women have dense breast tissue, which makes it challenging to detect breast cancer by mammography alone.⁶ High breast density, as seen on a mammogram, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with heterogeneously (40%) and extremely dense breast (10%) tissue are four-to-five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density.^18,19

The American Cancer Society suggests women with dense breasts talk to their health care providers about whether they should consider adding MRI and/or Ultrasound to their annual mammography screening.²⁰  To help physicians determine what comes next following either an elevated or normal BreastSentry test score, GeneNews and IDL have also developed a BreastSentry Patient Advocacy Protocol.

"This is a significant breakthrough for women with dense breasts," commented Dr. Belinda Barclay-White, founder and medical director of Arizona Breastnet, a full service diagnostic breast center. "Any additional information that can be added to a patient profile to determine ongoing risk for developing breast cancer is very much needed to help physicians, radiologists and patients determine what the next course of action should be."

About GeneNews

GeneNews is committed to becoming a leader in advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, serving as a strong commercialization outlet for early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases. Our mission is to identify, assess and make commercially available a comprehensive menu of diagnostics that provide physicians and patients with personalized clinical intelligence and actionable information to improve health out-comes through the early diagnosis of disease.  Our Richmond, Virginia-based Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory clinical reference lab specializes in traditional and advanced clinical evidence-based blood testing that helps find, understand, and address cancer risk in patient populations. Currently, IDL offers risk assessment blood tests for four major cancer types - colon, lung, prostate and breast. GeneNews' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GEN'. More information on GeneNews can be found at www.GeneNews.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

References

^{1.        Melander O. et al., Plasma Proneurotensin and Incidence of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Breast Cancer, and Mortality, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). October 10, 2012, Issue 308, 14, P. 1469-75.
2.        Melander O, et al., Validation of plasma proneurotensin as a novel biomarker for the prediction of incident breast cancer, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. August, 2014; 238 : P. 1672-6.
3.        Ernst, A, et al., Proneurotensin 1-117, a stable neurotensin precursor fragment identified in human circulation. Peptides. July, 2006, Issue 27, 7, P. 1787-93.
4.        Dupouy S, et al., The Neurotensin Receptor-1 Pathway Contributes to Human Ductal Breast Cancer Progression. PLoS ONE. 2009;41: e4223
5.        Souazé F, et al., Expression of Neurotensin and NT1 Receptor in Human Breast Cancer: A Potential Role in Tumor Progression. Cancer Res. June 15, 2006;6612: 6243-9.
6.        Carraway, R. et al., Involvement of neurotensin in cancer growth: Evidence, mechanisms and development of diagnostic tools. Peptides. October, 2006;2710: 2445-60.
7.        Devader, C. et al, The Anti-Apoptotic Role of Neurotensin. Cells. March, 2013; 21:
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9.        Dupouy S, et al, The potential use of the neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 as a biomarker for cancer progression and as a component of personalized medicine in selective cancers. Biochimie. 2011 Sep;939:1369-78. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.04.024. Epub 2011 May 17.
10.     Somai S. et al, Neurotensin counteracts apoptosis in breast cancer cells, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 295, Issue 2, 12 July 2002, Pages 482â€"488
11.     Melander, O, et al, Plasma Pro-Enkephalin, a stable peptide of the precursor to the endogenous opioid Enkephalin, predicts breast cancer risk, Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 4
12.     Melander, O. Plasma Pro-Enkephalin adds value to Proneurotensin for the risk prediction of incident breast cancer. Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 6
13.     Ernst A, Proenkephalin A 119-159, a stable proenkephalin A precursor fragment identified in human circulation.Peptides. July, 2006;27: 1835-40.
14.     Faith, R. et al, Inhibition of Pulmonary Metastases and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Activity by Methionine-Enkephalin, Brain Behav Immun. June, 1988;2: 114-22.
15.     Schäfer, M. et al, Opioid therapy and tumor progression. Advances in Palliative Medicine 2009, 8, 53–56
16.     Mernenko OA, et al, Met-enkephalin induces cytolytic processes of apoptotic type in K562 human erythroid leukemia cells. FEBS Lett. April 1, 1996;3833: 230-2.
17.     Maneckjee R, et al, Opioids induce while nicotine suppresses apoptosis in human lung cancer cells Cell Growth Differ. October, 1994;510: 1033-40.
18.     Boyd NF, Guo H, Martin LJ, et al. Mammographic density and the risk and detection of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 3563:227-36, 2007.
19.     Tamimi RM, Byrne C, Colditz GA, Hankinson SE. Endogenous hormone levels, mammographic density, and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 9915:1178-87, 2007.
20.     Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. for the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Advisory Group. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 572:75-89, 2007.}

SOURCE GeneNews Limited