Optimal Health Insider
Research broken down for ease of use
High-protein meal replacement leads to higher fat oxidation, less hunger after an exercise session
Meal replacement powders have grown in popularity in the past decade. The reasons are numerous: They are popular with dieters looking for a lower-calorie option than a full meal. They're popular as a healthy meal option for busy consumers with hectic schedules. And...
Quality of gut bacteria influences COVID-19 severity, according to new study
The variety and volume of bacteria in the intestines may influence the severity of COVID-19, according to new research from Hong Kong. The study was conducted by researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and was published online in the scientific journal Gut...
Recent research encouraging for those setting weight loss goals this year
January is a popular month for setting a goal to lose weight. Unfortunately most people fail---and not just because of lack of determination. Busy schedules, family obligations and complicated diet plans can play havoc on even the most dedicated goal-setter. The good...
Research highlights two surprising nutrients that help battle COVID: Selenium and Omega-3s
When it comes to studying nutrients that can help in the battle against COVID-19, the research has focused on the nutrients that have long been known to support the immune system: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and probiotics. But two lesser-known nutrients are being...
Lipoic Acid supplements help obese people lose weight, according to new study
A 2020 study examining whether Lipoic Acid supplementation could decrease elevated plasma triglycerides in overweight adults discovered a secondary benefit: weight loss. The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science...
Nitric oxide effective in treating COVID-19, according to Swedish study
A new in vitro study that appears in the scientific journal Redox Biology has provided the first evidence that nitric oxide inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Scientists at the Zoonosis...
Research makes it official: Inflammatory foods increase likelihood of heart disease and stroke
If you're looking for a new new year's resolution that's practical, achievable and can add years to your life, why not set a goal to drastically reduce your inflammatory food intake? Once considered the realm of "extremist nutritionists," new research is now proving...
Vitamin D for all: 100+ experts send letter to world’s governments urging supplementation to fight COVID
A group of scientists who created an international alliance to bring awareness to the importance of Vitamin D in fighting COVID-19 has now sent an official recommendation to the world's governments. When created in September the group's goal was to improve public...
Three green tea studies published in 2020 you should know about
Research on green tea is not difficult to find. Since green tea has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, both scientific and observational studies abound. 2020 is no different, with a number of new studies seeing publication in scientific journals. A number of...
Expert testimony to congress: Americans deficient in vitamins A, C and D, and the mineral zinc
A little known advisory committee in the U.S. congress is the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus. It is currently comprised of 34 house reps and eight senators. The caucus is the main policy-making arm of congress that reviews developments in the dietary...
Link between Vitamin K2 deficiency and COVID-19 mortality found in New Zealand study
In a new research paper published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology scientists have attempted to explain the association between Vitamin K2 deficiency and recovery rates in individuals with COVID-19. According to the authors, COVID-19 patients were...
Study finds surprising new benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin: a reduction in overall death rate
Consumers who take a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement for joint health might be receiving surprising additional benefits: a healthier cardiovascular system and a longer life overall. According to a new study, conducted by researchers at West Virginia University...