A team of scientists led by University of Otago are developing a uniquely New Zealand eating pattern called the New Zealand wellbeing diet, He Rourou Whai Painga, they hope will help reduce the impact of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The dietary approach will focus on locally produced vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts and seeds and olive oil, and moderate amounts of seafood. The project also includes food and beverage industry collaborators, large and small. The study will recruit 200 participants and will take a whanau-based (family) approach to help introduce new foods and recipes to steer them toward a healthier eating pattern. This study is part of a larger project called the High-Value Nutrition Science Challenge that aims to demonstrate the health promotion potential of local foods and thereby grow the local consumption and export of New Zealand foods. Check out the video about it here.
