Diets high in saturated fat may enhance mineral absorption

This post includes a synopsis of a paper published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Volume 11, Issue 2, June and a recipe for mint and lime roast lamb.

Study title and authors:
Interactions Among Dietary Fat, Mineral Status, and Performance of Endurance Athletes: A Case Study
Henry C. Lukaski, William W. Bolonchuk, Leslie M. Klevay, David B. Milne, Harold H. Sandstead

This paper can be accessed at: http://journals.humankinetics.com/ijsnem-back-issues/ijsnemVolume11Issue2June/InteractionsAmongDietaryFatMineralStatusandPerformanceofEnduranceAthletesACaseStudy

Books:

The study measured performance and mineral levels in male endurance cyclists who consumed diets of either (i) 50% carbohydrate, (ii) 50% polyunsaturated fat, or (iii) 50% saturated fat, for 28-day periods.

The study found:
(a) Endurance was impaired on the polyunsaturated fat diet
(b) Iron, zinc and possibly magnesium levels were lower on the polyunsaturated diet.
(c) Ferritin levels decreased on the polyunsaturated diet.
(d) Copper levels increased only on the saturated fat diet.

To conclude: Diets high in polyunsaturated fat may impair mineral absorption and lead to a reduction in endurace performance, whilst diets high in saturated fat may enhance mineral absorption.

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Recipe of the day

Mint and Lime Roast Lamb

 

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Lamb Shoulder

1kg/2.2lb boneless rolled lamb shoulder or mini shoulder joint

Salt and freshly milled black pepper

60ml/4tbsp mint

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

500ml/18floz light lamb stock
15ml/1tbsp freshly chopped mint

Method:

1.Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.

2.Season the joint and open roast for the calculated cooking time.

3.20 minutes before the end of the cooking time mix together the mint and the lime zest and juice. Spoon or brush over the lamb.

4.When cooked transfer the lamb onto a dish, cover with foil and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

5. Add the stock and stir well to remove any rich lamb juices and sediment from the bottom of the pan. Strain into a saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened and add the mint.

Mint and Lime Roast Lamb