Spring Clean Your Diet

    Refresh your body and build up your immune system

    TORONTO, April 29 /CNW/ - Spring is a time for rejuvenation and renewal -
both inside and out. After a winter's worth of colds and flu and the requisite
treatments that accompany them, it's time for Canadians to refresh and
replenish their immune system's defenses. Good health is a top priority for
almost everyone, but a recent survey found that many people don't know the
basic facts about their immune systems. One in three Canadians cannot
correctly identify the location of the majority of their immune system, says a
survey released by Angus Reid and Astro Yogourt, and this lack of knowledge
could be putting Canadians at risk.

    Immune ignorance is not bliss

    Since our digestive system contains almost 70 per cent of the immune
cells for our entire body, a well-balanced diet is crucial to whole-body
health. Eating foods from all food groups, including lean protein, brightly
coloured fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and nuts, can boost immune
system strength, but people often forget, or are too busy to balance their
diets properly. In fact, according to the survey, most Canadians are motivated
to eat well by a desire to lose weight, not to stay healthy.
    "Diet plays a central role in the strength and health of your immune
system," says Lisa Weinberg, a registered dietitian. "We're all so busy
juggling work, family and social lives that basics like eating well often fall
by the wayside. But if you can't find the time to steam a bunch of leafy
greens, there are other simple alternatives to balancing your diet."
    One of the easiest ways to ensure that you're giving your immune system a
boost is to eat foods enriched with probiotic cultures. Probiotics are a type
of good bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the
intestine necessary for proper digestion and immune health. Upon ingestion in
sufficient numbers, probiotics exert health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
While good bacteria occur naturally within the body, probiotics are needed to
help increase the number of good bacteria lost on a daily basis due to things
like stress, lack of sleep and antibiotics. Fortunately, in recent years,
advances in food research and development mean that they are now found in many
products.

    Getting a quick boost inside and out

    Astro Yogourt has made it easy to boost immune health through innovative
products like BioBest Maximmunité. A probiotic drink, Maximmunité contains the
exclusive Immunofit culture blend - a unique blend of two probiotic cultures
developed to specifically target the body's natural defenses located in the
digestive tract.
    "Many foods in the grocery store are enriched with probiotics these days,
but it's important to remember that not all probiotics are alike. Maximmunité
offers the unique benefit of offering 10 times more than most spoonable
probiotic yogourts," says Weinberg. "Drinking a bottle of Maximmunité provides
beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. It's a big immune boost in a
little bottle."
    On the inside, Astro BioBest Maximmunité drinks are a source of calcium,
and are low in fat, saturated fats and cholesterol. They are also trans-fat
free. On the outside, this nutritious yogourt drink is conveniently packaged
for people on the go. Available in three tasty flavours, vanilla, strawberry
and açai berry, Maximmunité is ideal for a boost first thing in the morning,
or an after-gym fix.

    About Astro Yogourt

    For over 30 years, Astro has been providing great-tasting dairy products
in Canada. The brand has kept pace with expanding industry and consumer needs
by creating new and exciting product lines.
    From inception, Astro has upheld its commitment to helping people
maintain balance in their lives, with products true to yogourt roots. For
people who strive to live well, Astro Yogourt provides a real experience. It
is valued for its rich, creamy texture and real yogourt taste.

For further information: or to book interviews with Lisa Weinberg,
please contact: Andi Argast, Anya Kravets, Edelman, [phone] Ext. 240,
323, [e-mail], [e-mail]