Can we learn more about nutrition from bodybuilders? This week’s Nutrition News looks at some of the latest research into health and wellness, including some interesting findings from the world of bodybuilding that we could apply to our everyday lives to support our health.
The role fish oil can play in nutrition for bodybuilders
Bodybuilders are known to put their bodies under significant stress when preparing for a competition and nutrition plays a huge part in achieving their goals but few people may realise how crucial fish oils can be in this process.
Fish oils can be beneficial for everyone due to their omega 3 fatty acid content, which plays a role in supporting heart health and maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. These characteristics are particularly helpful to bodybuilders as they can put their hearts under bouts of increased pressure during training and competition.
In addition to supporting heart health, fish oils could also play a role in reducing muscle soreness and supporting athletic performance as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties and potentially even slowing the decline of muscle mass that comes with age according to this Medical News Today article.
Again, while the studies covered in this article are specific to bodybuilding, the takeaways are relevant for everyone as it illustrates the numerous benefits of fatty acids in the diet.
Multiple dietary supplements shown to benefit health into old age
A new study, as reported by NutraIngredients-USA, that was conducted by experts at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Centre on Ageing has found a link between consistent multiple dietary supplement use and better health that continues into old age.
Historically, it has been notoriously difficult to assess the effects of multiple dietary supplement use for a number of reasons. The first of these reasons is that the research takes the form of observational studies as it is assessing long term multiple supplement use. The second reason is the associations between the type of person who uses supplements and the likelihood that they otherwise generally follow a healthy lifestyle compared to those who don’t use supplements. However, research into this area is ongoing to uncover more substantial evidence on the impact of supplements on overall health and wellbeing.
This latest research follows an earlier study demonstrating healthier cardiometabolic profiles among long-term multiple dietary supplement (LTMDS) users and further supports the findings that dietary supplements may support cardiometabolic health benefits.
The authors note the limitations of these observational studies, including what the statement “multiple dietary supplement” means as it could include any combination of supplements; in this case, the most popular supplements observed were multivitamin and multiple mineral supplements, calcium, omega 3s and fish oils, botanical supplements, and vitamin C. The research is ongoing whilst we are limited to observational studies, but the findings further support the hypothesis that supplements can support a healthy life into old age.
Apple cider vinegar for weight management support
Apple cider vinegar’s role in weight management support has been hotly contested for many years as the research in this area continues, however, the food supplement could hold more benefits besides weight management making it beneficial for people, according to this Medical News Today article.
While there are a number of studies that have been carried out over the years investigating apple cider vinegar’s role in weight management, the cohorts have been small and the results have been inconclusive. The best way to manage your weight effectively is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Despite inconclusive evidence on weight management, there are studies that suggest apple cider vinegar may have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and a role in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. It is important to note that further research is needed across each of these studies but the results are promising.
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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.