
Health Studies Hub
Your go-to source for daily breakdowns of the latest health, fitness, and nutrition research.
A Healthy Person Has 1,000 Dreams. A Sick Person Only Has One.
For the first time, the federal government is officially acknowledging the link between ultra-processed foods and skyrocketing rates of chronic illness, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental issues like autism and ADHD.
“Natural Flavors” Might Not Be as Natural—Or Safe—As You Think.
Despite the wholesome label, “natural flavors” often contain highly processed chemical mixtures derived from plants or animals, but with little nutritional value.
Nearly Half of U.S. Tap Water May Contain Pfas—Synthetic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Serious Health Risks.
A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study found that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are used in various products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foams and are known for their persistence in the environment.
Spot Worsening Heart Failure Two Weeks Early With AI.
A 2025 study backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research found that a new at-home foot scanner from Heartfelt Technologies could detect fluid build-up—an early sign of heart failure—an average of 13 days before a patient needed hospital care. It accurately predicted 5 of 6 hospitalizations.
Long-Duration Stretching Promotes Muscle Growth.
A 2022 meta-analysis in the Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise reviewed 16 animal studies and found that stretching for at least 15 minutes daily led to significant increases in muscle mass, cross-sectional area, fiber size, and even fiber number.
Raw Milk Does More for Your Health Than You Think.
A 2020 study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that drinking unpasteurised milk increases levels of Lactobacillus in the gut—beneficial bacteria that support digestion and immune health. Two studies in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2011 & 2015) linked raw milk to a significantly reduced risk of asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections in children.
Is Your Apple Watch Accurate? Depends on What You’re Tracking.
A 2025 meta-analysis published in Physiological Measurement evaluated 56 studies assessing the Apple Watch’s accuracy in monitoring health metrics. The findings indicate that while the device reliably measures heart rate and step counts, its accuracy in estimating energy expenditure (calories burned) is limited.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Evoo) Is a Powerful Ally for Your Heart.
A 2025 systematic review in Nutrients analyzed clinical and experimental studies, concluding that EVOO consumption is linked to improved cardiovascular health. Its rich content of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols contributes to lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing endothelial function.
Marijuana May Be More Harmful to Your Heart Than You Think.
A 2025 study from UC San Francisco, published in JAMA Cardiology, found that chronic cannabis use—whether smoked or consumed as edibles—is linked to significantly reduced blood vessel function, comparable to the effects seen in tobacco smokers.
Feeling Stressed and Struggling With Sleep? B Vitamins Might Help.
A 2025 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Nutrients found that supplementing with 100 mg each of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin) daily for four weeks significantly reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality in young adults.
Nature Is a Powerful Ally in Managing Chronic Back Pain.
A 2025 study from the University of Plymouth and University of Exeter found that individuals with chronic lower back pain experienced relief and improved well-being when spending time in natural environments. Participants reported that being in nature provided a sense of escapism, reduced stress, and offered opportunities for social interaction and gentle exercise.
Your Sunscreen Is Doing More Harm Than Good.
Despite marketing claims, major studies show no clear link between UV exposure and melanoma, and outdoor workers may even have lower melanoma rates than those indoors. Meanwhile, most conventional sunscreens contain seed oils that oxidize under heat, hormone-disrupting chemicals like oxybenzone, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles that can reach your brain.
Sound Doesn’t Just Enter Your Ears—It Reshapes Your Brain in Real Time.
A 2025 study from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford introduced a new brain imaging method called FREQ-NESS, revealing that when you hear a steady rhythm or musical tone, your brain dynamically reorganizes its networks. Instead of passively receiving sound, the brain actively adjusts its internal wiring, orchestrating a complex interplay of brainwaves across multiple networks.
Energy Drinks May Be Linked to Higher Suicide Risk, Especially in Young People.
A 2025 meta-analysis in Nutrients reviewed data from over 1.5 million individuals and found that consuming energy drinks was associated with a significantly increased risk of both suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts. The risk rose with frequency: those drinking 21–30 energy drinks per month had nearly triple the odds of attempting suicide compared to non-consumers.
Microplastics Are Silently Damaging Your Heart.
A 2025 clinical study found that over half of carotid artery plaques removed during surgery contained microplastics—and their presence was linked to a fourfold increase in the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death.
Better Sleep May Help You Stay Strong as You Age—If Your Diet Backs It Up.
A 2025 study in Nutrients found that adults who slept longer and had better sleep quality also had stronger handgrip strength—but only when they consumed more protein and followed a higher-quality diet.
Caffeine doesn’t just keep you awake—it disrupts your sleep too.
A 2025 study from Université de Montréal, published in Communications Biology, revealed that consuming caffeine—even just a few hours before bedtime—can increase high-frequency brain activity during sleep. This is especially true for young adults, whose brains are more sensitive to stimulants.
Migraines May Start in Your Gut, Not Your Head.
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adults who consumed more live dietary microbes—like those in fermented foods—had significantly fewer migraines. The gut-brain connection suggests these microbes reduce inflammation and improve nervous system balance.
Your Muscle-To-Fat Ratio May Predict Kidney Stones.
A 2025 study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that people with more muscle and less visceral fat had up to 61% lower risk of kidney stones. The link held steady even after adjusting for age, BMI, and health status.
Tea, Berries, & Citrus May Hold the Secret to Aging Well.
A 2025 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intakes of black tea, berries, citrus fruits, and apples were linked to a lower risk of frailty, physical decline, and poor mental health in older adults. Women with the highest flavonoid intake had up to a 15% lower risk of frailty.