Latest Evidence in Supplements
According to a recent report, the global dietary supplements market is expected to reach USD 278 billion dollars by 2024. Some supplements are claimed to have benefits that haven’t been validated by research. Others are claimed to have benefits that haven’t even been studied. Some really are validated by research as being worthwhile for certain people in certain situations.
The question is: Which are which? This section contains research reviews for popular supplements, and answers to the most common health claims made about them.
Does Vitex (Agnus Castus) Have Proven Benefits? 181 Studies Reviewed
Introduction My friends love the fact that I write articles for #HBS. When we meet for lunch, they unashamedly ask me about the latest topic and want the inside track on evidence based science versus urban myth versus blogger fiction. The odd thing is that they rarely...
Do Astaxanthin Supplements Do Anything? We Review The Research
Introduction One of my friends who is obsessed with wacky life hacks has come up with yet another new idea. According to her, it is her best idea yet. To give you some background, she loves running outdoors and lives in Australia. She is now taking astaxanthin to...
Does Bacopa Have Health Benefits? The Evidence Reviewed
Introduction Although many Americans only know bacopa as a plant found in aquariums, Bacopa monnieri has been used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic Medicine for many hundreds of years. It’s been used for a variety of health conditions including memory and...
Does Triphala Have Health Benefits? We Review the Research
Introduction Triphala, also known as “triphala churna,” is one of the most popular formulas in Ayurveda. Proponents tout that it has health benefits for all three of Ayurveda's dosha* constitutions. Triphala is most commonly known as a gentle bowel tonic, being...
Does Soy Lecithin Have Health Benefits? The Evidence Reviewed
Introduction I had a thought-provoking conversation with a very wise, elderly Japanese lady last week. As we sipped green tea from minuscule tea cups, she spoke about the fact that the traditional way of life in Japan is being eroded. Surprisingly, she told me that...
Do Piracetam supplements Do Anything? We Review The Research
Introduction Since time began, mankind has been looking for ways to extend lifespan and generally boost mojo- the all elusive elixir of life or the philosophers stone. Much is written in cult literature describing odd, sadistic and illegal rituals using numerology,...
Do GABA Supplements Do Anything? Here’s What Science Says
Introduction Have you heard of GABA? You might have seen it in a health food store or it could have been recommended to you when you were browsing supplements on Amazon. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that can be found in your brain, right...
Does Whey Protein Have Health Benefits? The Evidence Reviewed
Introduction Two tablespoons of peanut butter. Three quarters of a cup of unsweetened almond milk. One half-cup of oats. And the most important ingredient: chocolate-flavored whey protein. Blended together, this has been my typical breakfast for a long time. Whey...
Does Quercetin Have Health Benefits? A Doctor Explains
Introduction Quercetin is marketed as an 'ergogenic' or an agent that enhances physical performance. Needless to mention, the promise of ergogenic benefits is of great interest to many people. Me included. To be honest, I would love to add another few hours to my day...
Does Phytoplankton Have Health Benefits? Analyzing the Research
Intro Foods and ingredients originating from the ocean have continued to gain momentum in health-promoting circles. Whereas fatty fish used to get all the attention, the spotlight then turned to seaweeds, and is now highlighting the little guys: spirulina and...