As the subject of nutrition and health continues to gain a mainstream following, many people today are likely to have heard of prebiotics and postbiotics. Both of these components have been praised for their role in promoting a healthy digestive system. Recently, postbiotics have emerged as another group of compounds linked to the health of the gut, immune system, and other functions of the body. These are the compounds that are produced when probiotic bacteria consume fiber. While postbiotics are less widely known, research suggests that they play an equally important role in maintaining the overall health of the body… READ MORE »
Carbohydrates, typically thought of as starches and sugars, are considered to be our bodies’ main source of energy. These carbohydrates can be found in a wide range of food items, from starchy vegetables to processed candy. Endurance athletes have to pay particular attention to their diet, selecting food options that support their training and lifestyle. Acting as fuel for the body, carbohydrates can significantly impact an athlete’s health and performance. Here’s a closer look at the role carbohydrates play in their diets for students interested in learning more about nutrition and health. Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Role in Athletes’ Diets .. READ MORE »
Intermittent fasting is a diet that has experienced a lot of media coverage, buzz, and popularity over the last few years. Endorsed by social media influencers, celebrities, and even twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this restrictive diet is experiencing its moment of fame. A study of Americans in 2018 found that of the 36% of Americans who reported following a specific diet or eating pattern, 10% of them were undergoing intermittent fasting. This was the most cited diet of any other one. When undergoing intermittent fasting, adherents move between periods of eating and not eating. The nuances of the schedule differ.. READ MORE »
“Doping” refers to when athletes take banned substances to enhance their performance. It is a major problem in sport and athletics internationally and has been done by athletes since organized sport became a popular pastime. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, Olympians and Gladiators consumed dangerous substances to enhance their performance. The issue with doping is not only one of fairness, but also of safety. There are numerous health risks and complications involved with the substances typically used to enhance performance. Sports organizations and governing bodies have all taken a stance against the prevalence of doping in sport, but it.. READ MORE »
Caffeine is a substance found frequently in energy drinks, gels, pills, and shots that advertise performance-enhancement effects. However, what exactly are these effects, and are they truly beneficial for athletes? As a future professional in the nutrition and health industry, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the claims and effects underlying different sports-related supplements. This includes knowledge of ergogenic substances: those that are intended to enhance one’s physical performance. Caffeine is perhaps the most widely consumed ergogenic substance, used all throughout the world millions of times a day to stay awake or boost productivity. Read on to find out how.. READ MORE »
As any record-breaking athlete will tell you, a good diet plan can make the difference between a personal best or a disappointing finish. Nutritionists are essential to the success of sports teams and triathletes. Training for a triathlon is slightly more complicated because it is a mix of three very different disciplines: swimming, biking, and running. Triathlons can vary in distance from a short quick sprint to a grueling ironman. The recommended nutrition plan will depend on the length of the event as well as the gender, height, and weight of the athlete. Read on to find out how graduates.. READ MORE »
In November 2019, the BC Centre for Disease Control began a collaboration with the BC Institute of Technology to test over 700 bottles of kombucha from all over Canada for their alcohol content. What prompted this study? Although kombucha has been commercially distributed for decades and the amount of alcohol allowed is regulated, procedures for transport, storage, and testing are still a little murky. If you are interested in the scientific fundamentals of nutrition, the history, processing, and regulation of fermented drinks provide a framework to consider several aspects of food processing and how it relates to health. Fermentation refers.. READ MORE »
If you’re pursuing a career in nutrition, you’re probably aware of these macronutrients: Protein Carbohydrates Fat Within each of these categories a wealth of variety exists, serving different purposes and offering various benefits when added to a diet. There are two kinds of fat widely heard of in mainstream discourse: Saturated fats, which usually exist as solids at room temperature Unsaturated fats, which usually exist as liquids at room temperature Sometimes, saturated fats are dissolved in unsaturated fats, so that the two types coexist in an item. Fats are essential in the human diet for healthy organs and cell growth,.. READ MORE »
Social media is where many people turn for quick tips on nutrition and fitness. With flashy influencers, quick videos, and wellness trends everywhere, there’s more information available than one can fully process. With the high traffic of online resources, it can get tricky to determine between fact and myth. As someone with an education in sport and nutrition, you can help clear up some of these false claims when you enter the industry, by focusing on scientific fundamentals. Here are a few of the common myths that appear on social media and why they aren’t true. Read on for a.. READ MORE »
Probiotics are popular for their potential health benefits. If you’re undergoing sport and nutrition training, here’s what you should know about probiotics.
