Fruit and veg could have a positive effect on mental as well as physical health
A recent study from the University of Leeds has uncovered the positive impact increased consumption of fruit and vegetables can have on our mental wellbeing as well as the physical benefits.
The report, as referenced in Science Daily looked at data from more than 40,000 people in the UK and found a strong positive association between people’s self-reported mental state and the amount of fruit and vegetables they consumed.
A similar study from the University of Manchester, also reported by Science Daily, found similar results by looking at data from 46,000 people where evidence suggests that weight loss, nutrient boosting and fat reduction diets can all reduce symptoms of depression.
The effect of vitamin D on our skin
Previous Nutrition News features have covered the ways in which vitamin D is vital to a normal, healthy lifestyle, but a recent study has looked deeper into the lesser known benefits to our skin.
As reported in INSIDER , vitamin D levels are most frequently maintained through sun exposure and, while this seems at odds with skin benefits, vitamin D is actually crucial in skin cell growth, repair and metabolism. The key, the report highlights, is to ensure you avoid sunburn.
Astaxanthin shown to have a role in sports nutrition
Astaxanthin can be found in the skin of wild-caught salmon, krill and in the shells of some crustaceans as well as being commercially produced via the cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis algae. It is known to be a powerful antioxidant but it is where it is found in nature that has led researchers to examine its benefits in sports nutrition.
The subject was discussed at NutraIngredients-USA’s Sports Nutrition Summit, as reported by NutraIngredients-USA. As salmon make a trip of over 1,000 miles from the sea to river tributaries in order to spawn, something which they do relying entirely on their fat reserves, researchers tested the possibility of this energy being down to astaxanthin. The team found promising results from a cycling time trial study where their power output was improved by 15% when compared to a placebo group.
While the research is still in its early stages and more trials will need to be conducted, those in the sport nutrition sector are watching developments intently.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.