Optimal Health Insider
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Consumption of ultra-processed foods up during past 20 years, especially among the elderly
In 1998 a study published in Journal of the American Heart Association documented what most health experts already knew: A diet high in processed foods speeds up clogging of the arteries and leads to an increase in heart attacks. Unfortunately the findings went...
NOVA: Dividing processed foods into four categories to help you manage your health better
Americans are eating more processed foods than ever, and surveys show that most consumers don't understand just how much this trend affects their health. Just in the year 2022 alone, studies highlighted the wide range of health issues linked to consumption of...
Cancer, dementia and early death: Five studies in 2022 that implicate ultra-processed foods
Notwithstanding decades of mounting evidence, most people still refuse to consider just how much damage is being done to their health by regularly consuming processed foods. Just in the past nine months alone, dozens of studies have concluded that processed food...
CoQ10 shown to reduce fatigue in new meta-analysis
New research from Taiwan has found CoQ10 effective in lowering fatigue. CoQ10---an abbreviation for Coenzyme Q10---is a lipid-soluble antioxidant produced by the human body, but known to diminish as people age. The authors of the new study explain that CoQ10 reduces...
Three studies in three months highlight the diverse health benefits of Omega-3s
Wikipedia asserts there is "no or litttle evidence" proving Omega-3 fatty acids confer any health benefit. "Evidence" to Wikipedia means multi-million dollar pharmaceutical-funded studies done in the same manner that are applied to new drugs with the potential to earn...
Spirulina boosts immune function in study on elite athletes
A well-known paradox of exercise is that even though it improves the immune system, prolonged high-intensity exercise can actually lower the immune response---at least for a short period of time. Studies show that intense and long-duration workouts can reduce the...
Creatine supplementation improves memory in new meta-analysis
Just about every athlete recognizes creatine as the world's most popular muscle-building nutrient. But the same energy-producing properties in creatine that benefit muscle growth also provide other potent health benefits. A study published in 2019 found creatine to be...
New study builds on existing evidence linking Vitamin D to testosterone health
Scientists have known for a long time that Vitamin D is an important factor in maintaining testosterone at optimal levels. Research validating the connection includes a 2008 Australian study that correlated infertility and Vitamin D sufficiency in both the genders....
Clinical study supports antiviral effects of echinacea extract in relation to Covid-19
Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants that are native to North America. Consumers of echinacea believe that the supplement boosts the immune system and can reduce symptoms of infections and other illnesses, including the common cold. In previous in...
Do you underestimate poor sleep? It’s a risk factor similar to high blood pressure
In 2020 the Zurich-based insurance company Swiss Re---the largest insurer in the world based on policies issued---posited the question, "Is sleep the new blood pressure?" Insurance companies must know leading risk factors if they're going to make it in the insurance...
Vitamin K increases energy while reducing oxidative stress, study finds
Vitamin K was able to offset oxidative stress in vascular muscles and ultimately increase energy, according to a new study from The Netherlands. The study was conducted at the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Maastricht University, and was presented at the second...
Omega-3s can extend your life by supporting telomere length, researchers say
A review of dozens of studies shows that Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the length of telomeres, reported to be a marker of biological aging. Research on telomeres has exploded in recent years as scientists have demonstrated how telomere length can be...