Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 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 a mental edge.
The double-blind study, published this week in the journal Scientific Reports, examined the effectiveness of optimal nutrition and exercise to enhance fitness and cognitive performance among a population of active-duty men and women in the U.S. Air Force. Researchers divided the 148 study participants into two groups for 12 weeks. Both groups performed the same training program, which included a balanced exercise program comprised of aerobic and resistance training performed five days per week. In addition to the training program, one group was given a prototype nutritional drink, the other group received a placebo.
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
“The physical and mental health benefits of exercise are well known, but this study demonstrates how optimal nutrition can help boost brain function as well,” said lead study author, Chris Zwilling, Ph.D, a postdoctoral researcher working with the study’s principal investigator Aron Barbey, Ph.D. at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. “We are excited by the results because they provide critical insights into how simple dietary changes can make a big difference in helping people be as efficient and productive as possible in today’s world. “
According to lead researcher Matthew Kuchan, Ph.D, “These results confirm that by combining the right nutrition and exercise, people who are facing high-pressure situations can stay sharp physically and mentally when they need it most.”
Study Takeaways
Like U.S. Air Force personnel, healthy adults can prime their bodies and brains to work more efficiently and juggle multiple priorities with proper nutrition and adequate exercise:
- Muscle gains: After a workout, make sure your muscles reap the benefits by consuming foods rich in protein to help build muscle, like lean meats and dairy, salmon, tuna, and eggs.
- Mind your meals: Support memory and multitasking abilities by getting enough DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid in your diet.
- Focus foods: Support information processing and problem-solving acumen by opting for more lutein and astaxanthinat meals. Lutein can be found in egg yolks, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, avocados, oranges, and melons.
- Obviously reduce or eliminate unnatural and over processed foods.