11.01.09
Researchers at the National Research Council (NRC), Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, have developed technology to help lower bad cholesterol levels by combining natural botanical extracts, potentially making it easier for Canadians to manage health issues such as obesity, diabetes and high fat levels in the blood. Vancouver-based Omnia Foods Ltd. has acquired the North American rights to this technology, which was developed at NRC’s Nutrisciences and Health cluster initiative. The combination of botanical extracts may take the form of a dietary supplement or an ingredient in a functional food. NRC research shows the technology helps to lower LDL cholesterol by 66% while reducing fat in the blood by 50%, providing benefits without side-effects often associated with statin drugs. “Omnia Foods is confident that NRC’s technology will further our efforts to launch new natural health products throughout North America,” said Mira Laza, chief of food technology at Omnia Foods. “As incidences of cardiovascular disease continue to rise, North Americans need safer, more effective options to keep them healthy.”