Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
Use zero-calorie sugar substitutes? Research shows your liver needs herbal support
Almost everyone is aware that cancer risk has been linked to the use of some some sugar substitutes. The controversy goes back at least to the 1970s with additional damning evidence added almost yearly. This year is no exception, with a new large-scale French study...
Vitamin D supplementing a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease, review finds
A new review of current research has determined that Vitamin D supplementation is effective in "slowing the progress" of Parkinson's disease. The review was conducted at University of Palermo in Palermo, Italy, and published in Nutrients in March 2022. The deadly...
For good dental health brush teeth daily… and take a probiotic supplement?
Taking probiotics for teeth and gum health might sound like a somewhat novel idea; however, evidence that has emerged over the past decade appears to show that the numerous health benefits of probiotics also extends to helping maintain good oral health. In fact,...
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 cannot synthesize them. Marine animals are high in EFAs, so many EFA supplements are sourced from them. This includes salmon...
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 and zeaxanthin are just two of several hundred carotenoids found in plants, many of which...
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 collagen damage---by around 50%. Meanwhile a Penn State University study found that people with Parkinson’s...
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 the foods are the primary catalyst for these health benefits. Many of these studies are documented here on the...
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 is Zingiber officinale. Ginger has been in use as a food since at least 1,500 BC, and was first recorded as a medicinal in the...
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 vary in molecular mass, solubility, viscosity, branching structure and gelation properties---depending on where they are...
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 a significantly lower rate of autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D alone was also shown to reduce autoimmune disease when compared to...
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 bill, AB-1341, effectively bans the sale of dietary supplements either formulated or marketed for...
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 researchers, was "a decline in insulin resistance with magnesium intake, especially in...