Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence is a strong indicator for present and future cardiovascular, metabolic, skeletal and mental health. To aid in the development of screening protocols that could help identify young people most in need of improved fitness, researchers from the HELENA project have derived age and sex specific normative values for physical fitness in European adolescents.

Will caffeinated drinks make you dehydrated? Should you limit egg consumption or avoid cooking vegetables? Can eating certain nutrients at certain times of the day help you lose weight? Fact is not always easy to distinguish from fiction.

Emerging research suggests some saturated fats carry out important functions in the body. However, this does not counteract the advice that people should reduce saturated fat consumption.

The beneficial effects of consuming omega-3 fatty acids are well publicised, but omega-6 fatty acids feature far less in the news. So what are fatty acids and why is it important that we get the balance right?

Chromium is an essential trace element that enhances insulin function and influences carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It has been suggested that chromium could be used as an adjunct to weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. This article examines current understanding in these areas and outlines recommendations for chromium consumption.

Cholesterol often gets a bad press and, in a way, that is right because a high level of bad cholesterol in your blood is a major risk factor for heart disease. A healthy balanced lifestyle and diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, but cholesterol also plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy.

There has been much interest in the role of selenium in recent years. As intakes have drifted downwards in Europe, concern has been expressed that marginal deficiencies may be putting us at greater risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. But is this the case and what should be done about it?

In November 2007 a major report was published that reviewed existing studies on the relative risk of different types of cancer through lifestyle choices. Drawing together high quality research and international scientific expertise, this report, published jointly by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the state of the art on the relationship between food, body composition, physical activity and different types of cancer.

In view of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Europe, the role of certain carbohydrates, like sugar, is often controversially discussed. Here are some facts about the role of carbohydrates, sugars and sugar in our diet.

This is the last in the series of articles examining the prevention of childhood obesity and will look at the overall guidance gleaned from earlier studies which can be used to inform and improve future interventions.

Dietary guidelines say that we should eat fat in moderation and include lots of fruit, vegetables and grains in our meals. The recent results of the largest ever dietary intervention trial did not demonstrate a beneficial effect of such recommendations on the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Or did it? In reality, the interpretation of this milestone study needs nuanced careful interpretation.

Life is inherently full of activities that may affect our health or well being. We face risks every day whether it's by crossing the street, eating food or driving a car. Yet this shouldn't interfere with everyday activities. Although some of us are voluntarily accepting risks related with taking part in high-risk sports, for many of us it can be difficult to decide which less well-known risks to worry about or avoid and which ones to accept.