Dietary fat and cancer: Are they related?

In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Vol. 91, No. 5) the National Cancer Institute (NCI) explored a possible relationship between dietary fat and cancer. Researchers looked at a wide variety of studies. Some studies found no link between fat and cancer, while others did.

On balance, the NCI concluded that there is a relationship between dietary fat and certain cancers - particularly prostate cancer.

"We conclude that dietary fat may indeed be related to prostate cancer risk," researchers reported, "although the specific fat components that are responsible are not yet clear."

Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), advises that a diet including fruit, vegetable, beans and grain is beneficial. She also advises people to be physically active and maintain an appropriate weight.

To reduce prostate cancer risk, the American Cancer Society recommends limiting intake of foods from animal sources, especially saturated fats and red meats.

Considering the growing body of evidence linking cancers and a high fat diet, it make sense to consider these lifestyle changes:

• Lower dietary fat with delicious low fat recipes
  
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Enjoy a physically active life

Here's to continued good health and lifestyle mastery!

Duncan
www.the-master-runner.com

Eat Better - Drink More Water

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (now... that's a thought!)
reports today that a survey of over 12,000 Americans found that people
who drank more water tended to eat more fibre, less sugar, and received
fewer calories form calorie-dense food.

Well, that's cool - sort of. But is this like saying non-smokers tend to drink fewer martinis that smokers?

Maybe the fact is people who care about their diet and nutrition drink less high calorie drinks!

But hey, the bottom line is pure water is a triple win for us: readily available, inexpensive, an good for us!

Duncan
www.the-master-runner.com

Exercise and Diabetes Risk

Exercise and Diabetes Risk -

If your neighbourhood has sidewalks, parks and public transportation - and if you have affordable access to fresh fruits and veggies you're 38% less likely to develop diabetes than people who live in "un-walkable" environs.

The benefits of regular physical activity are clear here, although that's not necessarily the whole story.

As usual, diet and exercise go together.

Speaking of the 23.6 million people in the United States who have Type 2 diabetes, Amy Auchincloss of Drexel University said, "Altering our environments so that healthier behaviours and lifestyles can be easily chosen may be one of the key steps in arresting and reversing these epidemics,"

Auchincloss studied over 2000 adults age 45 to 84 and evaluated their neighborhoods and diet.

For masters level athletes and exercises the good news is that the benefits of even modest exercise are pronounced - and these benefits can be augmented by healthy diet plans.

Trail Running Day

One hour, seventeen minutes. A perfect fall run. Average HR of 136, a nice easy pace. Energy used: 758 calories.

Ran the primal scream trail, among others. That's where I ran into a couple happily screaming their heads off in the bush earlier this summer. Primal screams, they explained, with no shred of embarrassment. Seemed to work for them - I'll have to try it sometime!

Other than XC skiing, there's nothing better than a run in the parks to burn off energy.

Also, there's nothing better than running to tighten up the quads and hamstrings. Spent 20 minutes afterwards stretching. It's still a black art to me. Stiff comes naturally!

10,000 meters

September 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Winter's coming country, and we had a hint today. Nothing wrong with winter, except it's the fat season! Too many cozy drinks and snacks and not enough running and biking!

I'm going to see what works best when it comes to winter diet and exercise - starting with a nice 10K row today (not to mention the KFC for lunch...).

I'm going to find some diet plans that are maintainable, easy to follow, and easy to pack. And pray for snow in the city! Last winter was the best urban x-country skiing I've seen here. I'm hoping for a repeat!