Study Analysis

Obesity now affects over 650 million adults worldwide, with rates continuing to climb. Associated metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have reached epidemic proportions, now posing some of the greatest threats to public health. While diet and lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment, adherence to these interventions long-term is extremely challenging, with most people regaining lost weight. There is an urgent need for novel, safe pharmaceuticals to help combat obesity and related metabolic complications. One exciting area of research is investigating whether compounds that alter cellular energy metabolism could ramp up…

Coconut oil has developed a reputation as a superfood in recent years, with health gurus praising its benefits for everything from weight loss to brain health. But what does the science actually say about how coconut oil affects our bodies? New research sheds light on one potential health boon of coconut oil and other sources of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) - the ability to reduce inflammation by changing the behavior of immune cells called macrophages. Chronic inflammation is now believed to underlie many modern diseases. Finding dietary ways like coconut MCTs to modify inflammation could be a huge win for…

If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you know that nutrition plays a huge role in exercise performance. The foods we eat provide the raw materials that power our workouts. In particular, dietary fats are an important energy source for prolonged exercise. But not all fats are created equal when it comes to fueling exercise. Emerging research suggests that a type of fat known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) could give your workout an extra boost. What Are MCTs and Where Are They Found? MCTs are a form of saturated fat with unique properties. Most dietary fats contain 12-18 carbon…

A concerning new study published in Environmental Health found that 99% of pregnant women had detectable levels of the weedkiller glyphosate in their urine during the first trimester. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and many other herbicides used in agriculture and landscaping. The researchers analyzed urine samples from 187 high-risk pregnant women attending a specialty obstetrics clinic in Indiana. Nearly all (186 out of 187) had glyphosate above the minimum detection level. The average urine concentration was 3.3 ng/mL, similar to a previous study of pregnant women in Indiana. This shows that glyphosate exposure is extremely widespread in…

Mitochondria are the microscopic power plants inside our cells that produce energy in the form of ATP. But could optimizing these tiny organelles help slow aging and extend lifespan? Emerging scientific research suggests they may play a key role. A recent paper published in Mechanisms of Ageing and Development reviews the evidence that mild “uncoupling” of mitochondria could potentially expand lifespan by optimizing energy production, minimizing cell damage, and slowing the aging process. Here’s an in-depth look at what the latest research reveals about the intricate relationship between metabolism, mitochondria, and longevity. A Brief History of Theories Linking Metabolism and…

TL;DR Case study examined effects of strict keto diet + intermittent fasting + calorie restriction + strength training in 23-year-old man Lasted 13 weeks with detailed tracking of extensive biomarkers, body composition, cardiovascular metrics Found major increases in testosterone, reductions in insulin resistance and liver enzymes, stable cholesterol despite very high fat intake Body weight decreased 13%, BMI dropped 12.5%, fat mass declined 44%, lean mass proportion increased Blood pressure and heart rate declined notably Results showcase improvements in metabolic, endocrine, hepatic, cardiovascular health Mechanisms likely involve ketosis, increased fat burning, better insulin sensitivity, along with weight loss Limitations include…

TLDR: Look for standardized extract with specified bioactive content Get a concentrated extract so you can take a smaller dose Choose reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices Ensure it's made from clove buds, not leaves or stems Check label for details on polyphenol and eugenol levels Avoid unnecessary additives and fillers Take 250-500mg daily, following label directions Don't sacrifice quality just for the cheapest price Pair with healthy lifestyle for best results Introduction Over the past decade, an abundance of research has revealed that cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and their extracts may offer meaningful benefits for metabolic health. This common…

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with over 650 million adults worldwide being obese as of 2016 (Singh et al., 2020). Obesity significantly increases the risk of other chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers (CDC, 2022). Besides the toll on health, obesity also incurs a huge economic burden exceeding $150 billion per year in the United States alone (Cawley & Meyerhoefer, 2012). As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, there is an urgent need to develop safe, effective and practical strategies for weight management. Polyphenols—a diverse class of over 8000 compounds found in…