A blog to help you optimize your full-body and life performance

Science is constantly changing. One day something can be healthy and the next day it’s not. It can certainly be frustrating, but that is why InsideTracker is here to dig through the science and present you with the most up-to-date research. Not surprisingly, one of these big swings in scientific knowledge recently happened with one of our most tested biomarkers, HDL cholesterol. It was previously thought, and still widely believed, that the more HDL cholesterol, or the often-termed “good cholesterol”, you have, the better. But recent research is showing that you can have too much of this good thing. Numerous new cohort studies are showing an unexpected association: a high level of HDL carries the same risk as having a low level of HDL-cholesterol.

As the second chapter of our three-part National Heart Health Month series, we're talking about a topic that can sometimes confuse even the best of us: the difference between fat in our diets and fat in our bodies (and the implications of both on our health).

February is National Heart Health Month. So, we thought we'd do our part in spreading awareness by bringing you a three-part heart health blog series. First up? The ever-ominous "total cholesterol."

As one of the most ordered lab tests, total cholesterol can provide a high level glance at how your body is handling lipids, or fats. According to the CDC, roughly nine percent of all doctor’s visits include a cholesterol test.¹ So, how should you interpret your total cholesterol value? Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts?

We all know how the commercials go: 1) a pair of bathtubs face the sunset (which we have so many questions about), 2) a deep voice-over warns us about erectile dysfunction’s ability to ruin the perfect moment, 3) you pray that you won’t end up a slave to the blue pill. But you don’t have to be a silver fox like the ones on TV to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, it’s more common in younger men than you’d expect.

A study from 2013 found that 1-in-4 men seeking treatment for ED were under the age of 40.¹ We're guessing you don’t want to be on the wrong side of that statistic, so keep reading – we’ve gathered some valuable information about how to avoid and/or counteract its onset.

Executive Summary:  Coconut products are growing in popularity and we see a vast amount of food and beverage options touting the power of this tropical drupe (stone fruit). Paleo enthusiasts and fitness buffs are touting the benefits, but does the research support the claims? Looking at the science can be perplexing, due to the mixed results of coconut fat in the research. Coconut fats, in the form of cream, oil, and milk are very unique and may interact with one’s body differently depending on an array of factors. We have done some investigation for you and report key findings from scientific literature below- but the only way to be sure if coconut fats are a healthy choice for you is to monitor your biomarkers using InsideTracker.

Our team of nutritionists is always investigating the latest research on the overlooked health benefits of food products. Recently, we stumbled upon research documenting the therapeutic value of a common, versatile kitchen staple: vinegar. Read below to learn how five common types of vinegars can help you control your levels of lipids and blood sugar and quick tips on how you can incorporate them into your diet.

Our hearts take center stage in February! Since we celebrate both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month in February, it’s only fitting that we spend a little time thinking about one of the most important organs in our bodies. First, the bad news: heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, half a million Americans die from heart disease every year. The good news is that most of the risk factors for this pressing health issue—including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, poor nutrition, and sedentary lifestyle—are preventable and reversible! A great Valentine’s Day gift is to show your body and your heart some love and appreciation by taking the steps that are necessary to live a longer, healthier life.

Do you have high cholesterol? While you may know that high levels of cholesterol don’t spell good news for your heart, cholesterol and inflammation often work hand-in-hand to damage your body.

Whether hunching over a computer screen, spending hours behind the wheel of your car, or plopping down on the couch for an evening of television, we all do it. What do all of those things have in common? Sitting! The bad news is that we are more sedentary than any previous generation. In fact, most adults spend over nine hours a day doing sedentary activities. Research shows that long periods of sitting down, even for people who are otherwise physically active, take a toll on your health.

Less than two weeks after clicking the “Order” button for my InsideTracker Home Kit, my results were in.  I received an e-mail in the morning, notifying me that my results were ready on the InsideTracker website. Here’s the scoop on what I saw when I picked up my results: