This Week in Food, Health, and Fitness

This week, read about new research linking physical activity to academic performance, saturated fat confusion, why you might want to skip the deli meat counter, and more.

Improving Academic Performance with Physical Fitness

The benefits of physical activity for general health are well established, and a growing body of evidence is showing how being physically fit can play a key role in brain health and academic performance in youth. In a study published this week, Spanish researchers found that physical fitness (cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability) in over 2000 students (aged 6-18 years) was correlated with how well the students did in math, English, and their overall GPA. This study adds to the evidence showing the importance of promoting physical activity during the school years.(Journal of Pediatrics, June 2014).

What is ironic with this body of research, is that some schools faced with increasing pressure to focus on test scores and academic achievement have reduced resources and time allocated to physical activity. Children and youth spend more time in schools than almost any other setting (with the exception of their homes) and if the child’s home environment does not encourage physical activity, the school may be the only chance for a child to be active. I agree with experts who indicate that targeting the school environment to increase physical activity in youth should be a key strategy in health promotion.

For more reading on physical activity and academic success, here’s a good article by Richard Bailey.

“Eat Butter”? The Skinny On Saturated Fat

Time Magazine’s provocative cover “Eat Butter” may leave some of you confused about what to eat (or reaching for the nearest shortbread cookie . . . ). The article questions the saturated fat-disease link and blames carbohydrates for health conditions that have been associated with saturated fat. The American Institute for Cancer Research provides an excellent review of the article and some sound dietary advice:

“. . . it’s the whole diet that matters. Suggesting that carbohydrates (and/or sugar) are the single reason Americans are obese and unhealthy is misleading – just as misleading as blaming our current health ills on fat. After all, carbohydrate-rich foods include fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Many are low in calories and filling; all are packed with nutrients and other compounds studied for their cancer-protective properties; they should comprise most of the food on our plates. “

David Katz offers another good review, arguing that we shouldn’t be demonizing one food, nutrient, or ingredient, but considering our overall dietary pattern.

Skip the Deli Counter: Processed Meats May Hurt Your Heart

More research points to the harms of processed meats – this time with heart health (previous research has linked processed meat intake to several cancers and Type 2 diabetes). In this long-term study, researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute found that men who ate the most processed meat had a 28% higher risk of having heart failure, and were twice as likely to die of heart failure than those who ate less. (Circulation, June 2014). What exactly are processed meats? Bacon, ham, salami, pastrami, sausages, and hot dogs.

Recipe Corner

It’s BBQ season, and if you’re like me, the side dishes are as important as what’s coming off the grill. Popular sides can pack tons of calories and unhealthy fats (some traditional deli potato salads have almost 500 calories and more than 20 g fat per cup). Here are a two healthy and delicious side dishes.