NUTRITION BITES

MED DIET FOR MEN

Men who eat a Mediterranean diet are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than those who don’t, say University of South Australia scientists. They found that compared with healthy control groups, prostate cancer patients had lower concentrations of nutrients such as lycopene and selenium. Foods that can top up lycopene include tomatoes, melons, papayas, grapes, peaches, watermelons and cranberries, while selenium-rich foods include white meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and nuts.

D FOR DEMENTIA

Taking vitamin D supplements may help ward off dementia, according to a new study. Canadian and UK researchers studied more than 12,000 participants with a mean age of 71 who were dementia-free when they signed up. Of the group, 3% took vitamin D supplements. Over a decade of observation, the researchers found taking vitamin D was associated with living dementia-free for longer and there were 40% fewer dementia diagnoses in the group who took supplements. They also found that although vitamin D was effective in all groups, effects were significantly greater in women than men.

YOU SNOOZE, YOU WIN

People who report getting regular, uninterrupted sleep are more successful in sticking to exercise and eating plans while trying to lose weight, says a preliminary study by the American Heart Association. Researchers investigated whether good sleep health was related to adherence to lifestyle changes prescribed in a 12-month weightloss programme. They found better sleep health was associated with meeting caloric intake goals and more time spent in m moderate to vigorous p physical activity. This suggests optimising sleep may improve lifestyle modification adherence.