Wellness & Research Blog

Optimal Health Insider

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Supplements vs Food: Why Whole-Food-Based Products Matter

Not all supplements are created equally, and for the average person standing in the vitamin aisle, the labels don’t make that clear. Many common supplements...
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The amazing history and health benefits of lotus flower

Most people recognize the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) due to it's symbolic representation in both current and ancient religions. It was an omnipresent feature in...
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Studies say: Bet on beta-glucans for immune support

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides---a class of carbohydrates. They are found in cereal grains, yeast, fungi and algae. While whole cereal grains and fungal plants...
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Avoiding Adderall: The safer natural stimulants used by America's pro athletes and top executives

A 2024 study of emergency room admissions found that individuals who are taking high doses of Adderall and other amphetamines face a whopping five-fold increased...
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Quercetin and anthocyanin---the flavonoid duo that make onions a cancer-fighting superstar

When scanning the ingredients in your favorite nutritional supplement, you're not likely surprised by the inclusion of exotic herbs from the Far East or Africa....
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Elderberry: The world's favorite immune boosting nutrient also proffers a fat-burning benefit

At the start of a new year just about everyone has the same two health goals: keep the immune system strong in the heart of...
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Study finds age 40 is the worst for sleep health; separate study shows valerian root can help

Research conducted in 2022 at University College London found people ages 33 to 53 get less sleep than people of all other age groups. Another...
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Study finds black seed effective for treating polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

According to a new study black seed oil is effective in treating a common, painful health challenge that many young women struggle with: polycystic ovary...
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Debunking the Myth: Are Supplements Really Unregulated?

A special report by Optimal Health Systems: On March 18, 2024, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois announced that he intends to reintroduce his failed 2022...
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Black Seed Oil: Ancient Remedy Backed by Modern Science

Black seed—also known by its scientific name, Nigella sativa—is a small seed that comes from a flowering plant by the same name. As an annual...
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Pass Grandma the mushrooms: Study finds reishi extract improves immune function in older women

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that enjoys a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Written records document medicinal use of reishi...
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Green tea studies from Iran and China highlight weight loss properties

Green tea hasn't always been just a pleasant drink. It has a long history of medicinal uses dating back over 3,000 years. Most people don't...
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From fighting age-related diseases to improving depression---studies show benefits of Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a genus of perennial plants that grow in high-altitude and other cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Rhodiola species are often called "stonecrops"...
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Happy birthday resveratrol: Twenty years since publication of groundbreaking Harvard study

The nutrient resveratrol, best known as the bioactive ingredient in red grapes, is celebrating a birthday of sorts. In September 2003 Harvard University researchers published...
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Ginger supplements provide anti-inflammatory benefit to autoimmune disease patients in new study

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. This popularity is due to the fact that it not...
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Cold symptoms, indigestion, weight gain, inflammation: Studies show curcumin fights them all!

If you're looking for one herb that supports just about every health condition known to man, it would be difficult to find one that fits...
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86 studies on mushrooms offer hope for preventing and treating cognitive decline

Both the ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations honored mushrooms as "gifts from God." And no wonder: not only could mushrooms fill the belly when hungry,...
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Garlic powder improves digestion and boosts cardiovascular health, new study finds

According to the findings of a new study from Iran, using garlic powder as a prebiotic supplement decreases the cardiovascular risks associated with metabolic syndrome....
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