Wellness & Research Blog

The Optimal Health Insider, research broken down for ease of use.
Algae-in-test-tube

Plant based EFAs are safer than animal-sourced, but are they as effective? New study says yes!

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health, but...

Plant based EFAs are safer than animal-sourced, but are they as effective? New study says yes!

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health, but...

EyeHealthNutrients-1_LR

Zeaxanthin and lutein supplements improve visual memory and learning in Australian study

A new randomized controlled trial focusing on the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin has revealed measurable improvements for visual episodic memory and visual learning. Lutein...

Zeaxanthin and lutein supplements improve visual memory and learning in Australian study

A new randomized controlled trial focusing on the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin has revealed measurable improvements for visual episodic memory and visual learning. Lutein...

Phytonutrients-two-rows_LR

Phytonutrients reverse cell damage in one study, lower all-cause mortality in another study

A new study from Israel has found that a type of phytonutrient called carotenoids inhibited the secretion of the MMP-1 enzyme---the enzyme responsible for...

Phytonutrients reverse cell damage in one study, lower all-cause mortality in another study

A new study from Israel has found that a type of phytonutrient called carotenoids inhibited the secretion of the MMP-1 enzyme---the enzyme responsible for...

Phytonutrients-words_LR

Phytonutrient... Polyphenol... Flavonoid. What are the differences? A quick primer.

Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and herbs improve health in a number of ways. Phytonutrients in...

Phytonutrient... Polyphenol... Flavonoid. What are the differences? A quick primer.

Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and herbs improve health in a number of ways. Phytonutrients in...

Ginger_Anti-inflammatory_LR

Ginger: Three studies in 2021 highlight plant's amazing anti-inflammatory properties

Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is widely used as a spice, and, in many cultures, as a traditional medicine. Ginger's scientific name...

Ginger: Three studies in 2021 highlight plant's amazing anti-inflammatory properties

Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is widely used as a spice, and, in many cultures, as a traditional medicine. Ginger's scientific name...

Beta-Glucan-immune_LR

Beta glucan---little known immune nutrient now shown to also protect against COVID

Beta glucans are a group of polysaccharides naturally occurring in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria and fungi. As a soluble fiber, beta glucans...

Beta glucan---little known immune nutrient now shown to also protect against COVID

Beta glucans are a group of polysaccharides naturally occurring in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria and fungi. As a soluble fiber, beta glucans...

Omega-3_and_Vit-D_LR

VITAL study shows major autoimmune benefit from Omega-3 and Vitamin D supplementation

A new study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard University found that people who took Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids had...

VITAL study shows major autoimmune benefit from Omega-3 and Vitamin D supplementation

A new study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard University found that people who took Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids had...

Not-for-you_LR

Attacks on supplements continue as California bans sale of weight loss products to minors

The California state legislature has approved new legislation that appears to be more about pleasing the pharmaceutical industry than following actual science. The new...

Attacks on supplements continue as California bans sale of weight loss products to minors

The California state legislature has approved new legislation that appears to be more about pleasing the pharmaceutical industry than following actual science. The new...

Magnesium_large

Magnesium helps relieve diabetes symptoms, Italian meta-analysis concludes

A new meta-analysis conducted in Italy has corroborated earlier research that the essential mineral magnesium dramatically reduces diabetes symptoms. The main outcome, according to...

Magnesium helps relieve diabetes symptoms, Italian meta-analysis concludes

A new meta-analysis conducted in Italy has corroborated earlier research that the essential mineral magnesium dramatically reduces diabetes symptoms. The main outcome, according to...

Vitamin-K-stauts

Vitamin K may be more important than Vitamin D in COVID battle, says new study

Vitamin K2 status may have a stronger association with COVID-19 related inflammation than Vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study from the Netherlands....

Vitamin K may be more important than Vitamin D in COVID battle, says new study

Vitamin K2 status may have a stronger association with COVID-19 related inflammation than Vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study from the Netherlands....

Covid-and-gut_LR

Probiotic supplements that improve gut microbiome could aid in Long COVID recovery, new study finds

A new study from Hong Kong has concluded that probiotic supplementation may be the key to fighting the long-term symptoms that many COVID patients...

Probiotic supplements that improve gut microbiome could aid in Long COVID recovery, new study finds

A new study from Hong Kong has concluded that probiotic supplementation may be the key to fighting the long-term symptoms that many COVID patients...

GreenTea_LR

Green tea protects against influenza and other respiratory viruses, new meta-analysis confirms

Whether drinking, gargling or swallowing an extract in a capsule, green tea is effective at warding off influenza and other upper respiratory tract illnesses....

Green tea protects against influenza and other respiratory viruses, new meta-analysis confirms

Whether drinking, gargling or swallowing an extract in a capsule, green tea is effective at warding off influenza and other upper respiratory tract illnesses....