Improved mental and physical condition is directly linked to nutrition, study shows

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-10/m-ima101920.php

News Release 19-Oct-2020
Abbott

Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Abbott and, the U.S. Air Force Research Lab announced today the results of a new study that found a direct link between physical fitness, cognitive performance, and optimal nutrition. The scientists revealed that getting the right nutrition not only fuels our bodies and improves fitness, but gives us an edge mentally, too.


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The study showed that exercise, along with the addition of a high-protein nutrition drink containing lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin D, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), led to statistically significant changes to the following compared to exercise alone.

    Improved working memory by 11% (i.e., information processing and problem-solving), which predicts multitasking and is often impaired under stress
    Improved reaction time by 6% - participants became faster and more accurate
    Increased muscle mass by more than two pounds
    Lowered resting heart rate by 8% - a sign of increased cardiovascular fitness. Resting heart rate improved from 71 beats per minute to 65 beats per minute


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