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.

Programmes to prevent childhood overweight and obesity, which focus on modification of dietary behaviour, increasing physical activity or reducing sedentary behaviour, have been underway for a number of years in countries all over the world. Encouraging results have provided useful data for the development of future initiatives. This is the second in a series of articles discussing current research on the prevention of childhood obesity.

Salt is the common name we use for sodium chloride (NaCl). Salt is essential for life and for good health. High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and stroke. It is related to high sodium and low potassium intakes, but can recommendations to reduce our salt intakes make a difference?

As levels of overweight and obesity in European children continue to rise, it is generally agreed that preventive action is needed urgently. However, there is still much debate over when and how to introduce interventions and what precise measures should be used. Here are some of the considerations

For many Europeans who are too busy to shop or cook, an increasing number of meals are being eaten or prepared outside the home. Perhaps breakfast is grabbed on the way to work, lunch is taken at the local café, dinner is a take-away or at a restaurant. The more you eat out, the more important it becomes to choose wisely from the menu in order to stay on track with an overall healthy diet. Here are a few practical tips to help you…

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.

A recent study has once again confirmed that people who closely follow ‘the Mediterranean Diet’ live longer than other Europeans. So what exactly is the Mediterranean diet and how does it exert this spectacular effect.

While the key to beating stress is to discover its cause and find ways of reducing or living with this source, regular good nutrition may help the body to cope with at least some of its negative effects.

Our immune system protects us against bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms. It is an efficient, complex defence system. Does the way we eat affect the immune system?

Snacking is on the increase and when eaten as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, snacks can play a useful role in our overall health.

If you are feeling drained and your energy levels seem to be at an all time low, ask yourself this; how much are you drinking?

Whether you are heading for the school room, board room or just want your brain to have the best chance to be in top form, breakfast is a must. The most consistent findings to date suggest that eating breakfast influences the processes involved in the formation and retrieval of memories and in managing complex or challenging information.

Whether we are active or sedentary our bodies require the same nutrients to keep us in good health. When taking moderate but regular exercise there is no need to make radical changes to the diet but rather, learn to appreciate that the balance of nutrients you require may differ slightly from those who take no physical activity at all.

Life style choices made by young people today can offset their chances of developing osteoporosis later in life. There is no secret about it - the more calcium accumulated while young the more there will be in the bones when older. An important factor is diet.

The body, for its well-being and to enable it perform mentally and physically, requires a balanced fluid intake. This means consuming at least two litres of fluid a day.

Eating healthily does not mean taste has to be compromised. Giving up one's favourite foods or sacrificing taste in meals is not necessary. One third of EU consumers are contemplating a healthier diet, the other two thirds are happy with what they eat and don't want to attempt any improvements. The challenge is to give eating healthily a positive image. Most European consumers (80%) think eating a healthy diet is a difficult achievement.

This is the last in the series of articles (Obesity, Nutrient Groups, Iron Deficiency) based on the EUFIC background paper, "What do we mean by Nutrition?"

Nutrients and health: continuing the series, this article looks at iron deficiency, one of the more important health problems in nutrition.

"Food Today" No. 1 defined nutrition as the science of food in relation to health and also introduced a framework for studying nutrition's effects on the human body. The article in this issue reviews the role of the two key nutrient groups: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Today the man in the street is concerned about the food he eats but often has little knowledge of nutrition beyond the day's headlines. This series of articles, based on a new review carried out by EUFIC, will introduce key nutritional concepts and offer a perspective on current dietary issues. This article looks at the key parameters of nutrition. Future stories will explain the importance of the main nutrient groups and analyse anaemia. The series will conclude with nutritional guidelines for leading longer, healthier lives.