Getting moving during the workday

Given that much of modern work involves sedentary sitting positions, it’s crucial to consider the potential detrimental impacts of prolonged sitting on health. Recent research highlights how various activities can influence our blood sugar levels after meals. Taking short breaks from sitting can aid in lowering blood sugar, with slow-paced walking offering even greater benefits.

Hydration for kidney and metabolic function

Hydrating a healthy amount is associated with lots of short-and long-term beneficial health effects, especially for kidney and metabolic function. A recent study finds that around 2.5 to 3.5 litres per day of water should be consumed in order to ensure optimal hydration.

Caffeine and sport performance

Caffeine is a popular stimulant consumed by people all around the world. Recent research suggests that both caffeinated sports drinks and energy drinks can enhance several aspects of sports performance. While caffeinated sports drinks are found to be particularly beneficial during prolonged exercise, energy drinks may be better suited for providing a pre-exercise caffeine boost.

Ecological alternatives for protein

While many popular protein sources for athletes exist such as red meats and chicken, there is a growing need for more ecological sources of protein. Insect-based protein could be a game-changer in athletes’ nutrition, offering a potential alternative to traditional supplements.

How sports team initiatives shape fans’ eating habits

Did you know that a sports team’s promotion of plant-based foods can influence their fans’ eating habits? Studies reveal fans with a strong identification to their team are more inclined to adopt a diet rich in vegetables and less in meat when they’re aware of the team’s pro-environmental food initiatives. By fostering a sense of…

Balancing Act: Navigating weight cutting in sports for athlete well-being  

Weight cutting in sport sounds harsh because it is. As a U19 national champion wrestler with international experience and a mixed martial artist, I have first-hand experience losing weight in a short amount of time to compete in my desired category. And I can tell you that it is both mentally and physically daunting.    My…

Nutrients and noncommunicable diseases

With Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like stroke, heart attack, and cancer, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide, it is important to take steps to mitigate risk. A study done on Korean adults found that increased intakes of multiple individual nutrients, from fruits and vegetables, were linked with a lower risk of NCDs.

Rugby and fueling for success

In a study observing professional male rugby players, it was found that although players appear to meet their fuelling requirements in their pre-game and post-game meals, they do not meet the suggested daily carbohydrate fuelling needs. With athletes demonstrating relatively low carbohydrate intake compared to sports nutrition recommendations, it is important to ensure that a…

Nutrition and mental health

Mental health is an integral and essential component of human health, and an unhealthy lifestyle can be associated with poor mental health. A recent study encourages the integration of micro- and macronutrients in a well-balanced and varied diet, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, for preservation of normal brain function and well-being.

Hydration and performance

There are many factors that can contribute to sport performance such as hydration, energy levels and more. One of the less considered factors is temperature and weather. A recent study finds that for every degree of weather difference, from optimal temperatures of 10°C to 17.5°C, performance in endurance running declined by 0.3% to 0.4%.