OATS Wild Oats Markets (MM)

Comprehensive Nutrition and Lifestyle Program Focuses on Overall Wellness by Eating Antioxidant-rich Superfoods, Taking Supplements, Nourishing Skin, and Staying Active BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab, an American turns 50 years old every seven seconds, which means more than 4.5 million Americans turn 50 each year. Unfortunately, only 31 percent of consumers polled in a recent Opinion Research Corporation study said eating a well-balanced diet was the most important element in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That means the majority of consumers -- 69 percent -- need help in understanding the importance of eating healthy in order to age well. With the start of 2007 only days away, leading national natural and organic retailer Wild Oats Markets (NASDAQ:OATS) is launching a national education program -- Eating Well for Healthy Aging -- to help consumers resolve to age gracefully and healthfully in the New Year. The Wild Oats Eating Well for Healthy Aging program encourages consumers of all ages to embrace lifelong nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes, and will serve as a resource for consumers by providing them with the tools they need to add years to their lives and life to their years. "Good nutrition, like a diet rich in nutrient-dense Superfoods -- berries, leafy greens, nuts, legumes, Omega-3 fish -- is the cornerstone of healthy aging," said Tricia DiPersio, Ph.D., R.D., food safety specialist and corporate dietitian for Wild Oats Markets. "Through the Wild Oats Eating Well for Healthy Aging program, consumers will learn how to age healthfully by eating well, living a balanced lifestyle, making well-informed choices and optimizing heart, brain, joint and skin health." At the core of Eating Well for Healthy Aging are fresh organic foods and a nutritious diet. The program aims to educate consumers about the benefits of healthy Superfoods and offers a variety of recipes that are high in antioxidants, fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids to help keep consumers looking and feeling youthful. For example, blueberries, red kidney beans and pecans are rich in antioxidants, which serve as 'housekeepers' in the body. Antioxidants clean up unwanted free radicals that damage healthy cells and contribute to aging and disease. Yet, according to Opinion Research Corporation's study, 59 percent of Americans cannot name a fruit rich in antioxidants, and 59 percent cannot name an antioxidant-rich vegetable. At the same time, antioxidants are only one of the important components that make up a nutritious diet. A diet rich in fiber and Omega-3s, but low in saturated and trans-fats, can help maintain a strong heart, healthy circulation and balanced cholesterol -- all of which are vital to longevity. Proper hydration, regular exercise and a diet infused with Omega-3s and vitamins E, C, A and B help keep the mind sharp by protecting memory and enhancing concentration. Only 7 percent of consumers in Opinion Research Corporation's study said taking vitamins and supplements was the most important thing they considered when thinking about taking good care of themselves, leaving more than 90 percent of consumers in the dark about the value of vitamins and the major role they play in living better and longer. For healthy joints, foods high in bioflavonoids, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, help slow the inflammation process, support collagen production and help prevent cell damage that speeds aging. Healthy and youthful skin can be maintained by eating a diet rich in vitamin A, fruits and vegetables and Omega-3 fish; drinking plenty of water; practicing a daily skin care routine with natural products; and by not smoking. To help consumers easily navigate the grocery aisles and identify foods and products that support healthy aging, the Wild Oats Eating Well for Healthy Aging program will feature a 22-page reference guide, as well as "Healthy Aging" signage that will identify fresh organic Superfoods, supplements and all-natural body care products that contribute to healthy aging. In addition, beginning in January, Wild Oats will offer an ongoing schedule of in-store events hosted by local experts that will focus on food, nutrition and supplements, as well as all-natural body care options. "The secret to living a long and healthy life is to make good, informed choices on an ongoing basis," said Dr. DiPersio. "It's about eating delicious Superfoods that nourish your body from head to toe. It's about keeping your body strong by taking the stairs or turning lunch hour into workout hour. It's about nourishing your skin and taking the appropriate supplements your body may require at different stages of life. And most importantly, it's about keeping a positive attitude. Wild Oats is a resource to our customers in all of these areas of eating well and healthy aging." Wild Oats' new Eating Well for Healthy Aging resource guide includes all of the information needed to embark on a lifelong journey on Healthy Aging, including: * The benefits of Superfoods and antioxidants, and how best to support heart, brain, joint, bone and skin health * Great-tasting recipes that incorporate healthy aging foods * The positive effects of vitamins and supplements * Healthy lifestyle recommendations, such as staying active, managing stress, maintaining social contacts and more The Eating Well for Healthy Aging guide is available in Wild Oats stores nationwide for $1 and online at http://www.wildoats.com/healthyaging. About Wild Oats Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada with annual sales of more than $1.1 billion. The Company operates 109 natural foods stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit http://www.wildoats.com/. DATASOURCE: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. CONTACT: Sonja Tuitele of Wild Oats Markets, Inc., +1-303-369-6984 Web site: http://www.wildoats.com/healthyaging Web site: http://www.wildoats.com/

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