Top Canadian Grown Foods That Are Good For Diabetes

Why shop Canadian?

Locally grown foods are harvested closer to peak ripeness than those transported long distances. This means they retain more nutrients, are fresher and often taste better. By shopping Canadian you’re also supporting local growers and food producers, which helps the economy and contributes to a lower carbon footprint. Eating more of what’s available in season, also supports more sustainable farming practices.

Given Canada’s strict food and safety regulations, shopping Canadian means you can be assured of higher-quality products and a reduced risk of contamination compared to foods imported from countries with less stringent standards.

For those seeking foods and vegetables out of season, many growers in Canada also use greenhouses to provide fresh, high-quality produce year-round.

Top Canadian-grown foods

Here is a list of some Canadian-grown foods that are also great for a diabetes diet.

Vegetables

Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The non-starchy kind (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini and cucumbers) are also low in carbohydrates to help keep blood sugar levels in check. Fortunately, Canada grows a variety of vegetables across provinces, with Ontario and Quebec being its largest producers. Canada is also one of the largest greenhouse vegetable producers in North America so home-grown lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and herbs are available year-round.

Fruit

Even as a colder region, Canada grows a variety of delicious fruits, including apples, peaches, berries and grapes. BC’s Fraser Valley is one of the top producers of blueberries in the world, which are considered a diabetes super food which help control blood sugar levels.