Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Phytase: the potent enzyme that can help you enjoy grains again
In the 21st century Western world allergies to wheat and other grains seem to be omnipresent. "Gluten-free" products have become a niche industry, making billions for packaged food manufacturers. But this hasn't been the situation throughout history. The grain that...
Spirulina eases muscle stress and boosts athletic performance, according to new Italian study
Spirulina is a type of algae that has grown in popularity as a nutritional supplement in recent years. Other types of algae that are popular as supplements include chlorella and kelp. Algae are a large and diverse group of photosynthetic, plant-like organisms that use...
Maternal supplementing with zeaxanthin and lutein conveys health benefits to both mother and child
With vision problems like macular degeneration and nearsightedness reaching pandemic-like proportions, a new study coroborating the vision benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein should be widely applauded. During the past decade the two carotenoid phytonutrients have...
Study shows new enzyme can destroy or degrade phthalates and other harmful substances
Modern society is inarguably toxic. Each day we are exposed to thousands of toxic substances, many of which wreak havoc in our bodies. Of these substances phthalates are probably the most ubiquitous. Phthalates are substances added to plastics to increase their...
Thirty days of ashwagandha supplementing improves memory, attention and reaction time
According to market tracking data, an herb that has beed used medicinally for millennia---ashwagandha---has soared in popularity in recent years. Herb Market Report states that herbal supplements with ashwagandha hit $111 million in sales in the U.S. for 2022, an...
Are the benefits of probiotics endless? The research continues to pile up in 2024!
The evidence that probiotics affect just about every aspect of health has accumulated significantly in recent years, and this year is no exception. In early 2024 studies from Italy and China showed that probiotic supplements---also known as "beneficial bacteria" or...
Protein shakes enhance muscle strength when starting an exercise program, study finds
When individuals with a mostly sedentary lifestyle get motivated and start an exercise program, they will see additional improvements in muscle strength if they include a protein supplement as part of their program. This was the primary finding of a study on...
“Supplements are unregulated” is a big, fat lie
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 Senate bill (S.4090) forcing strict regulations on the manufacturing and selling of nutritional supplements. In his...
Study finds huge potential for taurine supplements in reducing metabolic syndrome, protecting heart
A new study has found supplementing with the amino acid taurine is beneficial in reducing metabolic syndrome variables. Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that is defined by a "clustering" of different symptoms. A person is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if...
Researchers report iron deficiency is prevalent among athletes, has affect on performance
Living in a world where new health products become available almost every week, it's easy for consumers to forget about the more mundane aspects of health---like micronutrients. Fortunately new studies provide gentle reminders and help keep us grounded in the basics....
Studies: Consuming alcohol increases macular degeneration risk while fruit and veggie consumption lowers risk
Most people recognize that heavy alcohol consumption comes with a number or health risks; however, one common health condition that isn't normally associated with alcohol consumption is macular degeneration. A 2021 study found that moderate to high alcohol consumption...
Higher tryptophan intake found to improve sleep quality in study tracking university students
A new Spanish study focusing on first-year university students has found that lower tryptophan consumption is associated with poor sleep quality. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by the human body in the biosynthesis of proteins. As an essential amino acid it...