News

Recent debates in the health community question whether traditional beef tallow offers a safer, more natural alternative to seed oils. The discussion follows public statements by a senior U.S. health official advocating a return to animal fats for cooking. In Thailand, where diverse oils are staples in kitchens, the conversation matters for local diets and public health.

Historically, animal fats like beef tallow, butter, and lard were common kitchen staples. A shift occurred in the early 20th century as concerns about heart disease grew. Vegetable and seed oils rose to prominence as perceived healthier options, popularized as heart-friendly choices. In Thailand, many households still rely on palm oil and other vegetable oils, highlighting the ongoing relevance of fat choice in daily cooking.

A growing body of research shows that when people sleep can influence mood and mental health. A study from the University of Surrey suggests that night owls—those who prefer late bedtimes—may have a higher risk of depression compared with early risers. The findings point to sleep quality, mindfulness, and lifestyle choices as key mediators.

For Thai readers, this link is particularly relevant. Bangkok’s urban pace, long work hours, and constant device use can push many toward later bedtimes. Night-owl tendencies are common in fast-moving cities, but irregular sleep schedules may carry mental health costs if routines don’t support rest.

A recent study from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria shows sleep actively reshapes memories, not just strengthens them. The research reveals that during non-REM sleep, the brain refines spatial memories and makes room for new information. Scientists tracked hippocampal neuron activity in rats during extended sleep and observed a shift from the learning-phase pattern to a recall-phase pattern. This “representational drift” makes recall more efficient by using fewer neurons to represent the same remembered location.

A recent study suggests that taking more time to eat could improve health and satisfaction. The report notes that meals consumed in under 20 minutes may be linked to various health issues, beyond the feeling of being uncomfortably full.

Health experts say eating speed can influence how the body signals fullness. A senior diet and behavioral health specialist from a major medical center explains that the stomach needs about 20 minutes to relay fullness signals to the brain through hormonal pathways. When people rush meals, they may eat more before feeling full, which can contribute to weight Gain over time. Research also shows that slower eaters tend to have healthier body weights compared with faster eaters.

In the age of ever-evolving dietary trends, a South Korean model, Sherrie, has captivated the internet with her rapid weight loss journey, attributed to a new dietary program known as the ‘Switch On’ diet. The main allure of this diet lies in its claim to help individuals lose fat without compromising muscle mass, as evidenced by Sherrie’s personal account of shedding 4 kilograms within just six days. Her experience has piqued the curiosity of many, as videos detailing her dietary changes have gone viral on social media platforms.

A new weight-loss trend known as the Switch On diet has gained traction after a South Korean freelancer posted her experience online, claiming she shed 4 kg in six days. Proponents say the plan activates fat metabolism while protecting muscle, fueling curiosity in health circles and among people seeking quick results.

Reportedly developed by Dr. Yong-Woo Park, the four-week program aims to switch on fat burning and reset metabolic patterns to healthier levels. The approach centers on high-protein meals, planned fasting periods, and a list of foods to avoid, including processed meats, sugars, and saturated fats. Observers note the method’s emphasis on preserving muscle while reducing fat, which may impact insulin sensitivity in some individuals.

A South Korean model named Sherrie has drawn global attention with a rapid weight-loss story tied to a program called the Switch On diet. The claim: lose fat while preserving muscle, with Sherrie reporting a 4-kilogram drop in six days. Videos sharing her meal plan and fasting routine have surged across social media, fueling both curiosity and debate about the method.

The Switch On diet is described as a four-week program developed by a Korean doctor. It aims to optimize fat metabolism, tackle metabolic inefficiencies, and improve insulin sensitivity. Reportedly, the plan alternates timed fasting with a high-protein, low-toxins approach—limiting caffeine, alcohol, processed meats, added sugars, and saturated fats. Proponents emphasize metabolic resetting and a holistic approach to sustainable weight management.

A major study published in Nature Medicine examines dietary patterns linked to healthier aging, with implications for Thai seniors as communities navigate changing eating habits. The research followed more than 105,000 participants in the United States and found that certain diets strongly support physical health and cognitive function in later life. The findings resonate with Thailand’s aging population and its ongoing efforts to promote nutritious, accessible food choices.

Healthy aging, as defined by the study, means reaching beyond 70 without chronic disease while maintaining mental sharpness and physical vitality. In Thailand, where the elderly share of the population is rising, adopting evidence-based eating habits could help sustain quality of life and ease demands on healthcare systems. The researchers evaluated eight dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Across the board, closer adherence to these patterns was associated with stronger odds of healthy aging, with AHEI showing the strongest overall link.

In groundbreaking new research published by Nature Medicine, scientists have delved deep into dietary patterns that significantly contribute to healthy aging. The study, involving over 105,000 participants from the United States, has unraveled the potent impacts of different diets on maintaining physical health and mental acuity in later years. This is particularly relevant for Thai seniors, who are increasingly seeking ways to age healthily amidst rapidly changing dietary habits.

Healthy aging, as defined by the study, is the ability to live past 70 without chronic diseases, while maintaining mental, physical, and cognitive functions. In Thailand, where the proportion of elderly citizens is expected to rise sharply, adopting optimal dietary habits could be a crucial strategy for sustaining quality of life and reducing healthcare burdens. The study analyzed eight popular dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (aMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), noting significant benefits for those adhering closely to these dietary regimens. Most notably, the AHEI was linked with the greatest odds of achieving healthy aging overall.

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine, researchers have identified dietary patterns that significantly influence healthy aging, which is becoming increasingly crucial as the global population ages. The study involved a massive sample size of 105,015 participants monitored over a span of 30 years. The findings underscore the role of diet in achieving not only longevity but also maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health into the elder years (source).

Recent discussions in the health community have rekindled the debate between the benefits of beef tallow and seed oils, fueled by assertions from US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His advocacy for a return to using traditional animal fats like beef tallow over seed oils has sparked conversations, especially among those scrutinizing the health impacts of different cooking fats. This topic resonates not only globally but also in Thailand, where culinary practices encompass a variety of oils, highlighting the relevance of understanding these health implications.

In a groundbreaking study that traverses the depths of slumber, researchers have unveiled the pivotal role that sleep plays in reorganizing and optimizing memories. This study, conducted by scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), offers new insights into how our brains refine memories during sleep, particularly those related to spatial learning. Tracking the hippocampal neuron activity of rats over extended sleep periods, the researchers discovered that memories are not only reactivated during non-REM sleep but also undergo a critical reorganization that strengthens memory storage while freeing up neuronal space for new information.

The debate over whether premium-priced or budget-friendly vitamin C serums deliver optimal skin benefits continues to captivate skincare enthusiasts globally. A recent review by Wirecutter, highlights intriguing aspects that explain the stark price disparities between products, while offering recommendations in both categories.

Vitamin C, often revered for its skin-brightening and anti-aging properties, presents formulation challenges due to its notorious stability issues. This stability influences the efficacy of the serum, as noted by dermatologist Mina Amin. A prime example is the high-end SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, distinguished by its patented stabilization method which enhances both solubility and longevity of the active ingredients. Senior staff writer Rory Evans describes vitamin C as a “diva ingredient,” requiring specific conditions for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

New studies highlight a troubling risk not previously fully understood—a meat allergy derived from tick bites, now found to be associated with a broader range of tick species than previously recognized. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside local health officials, points to more than just the lone star tick as a culprit behind alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S. source.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar found in red meat, occurs following certain tick bites. Traditionally linked to the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), new reports suggest that the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)—both more broadly distributed—may also spur this condition. This revelation possibly expands the risk zone and the number of people vulnerable to this allergy, unexpectedly affecting their dietary choices and lifestyle in regions previously thought safe.

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at King’s College London, a brain pathway known as the kynurenine pathway is being explored for its potential role in the higher rates of depression observed in teenage girls compared to boys. As reported by Medical Xpress, this study is pivotal in understanding the underlying biological factors that contribute to depression, which affects approximately 280 million people globally.

The significance of this study lies in its focus on adolescence—a developmental stage marked by significant neurological and psychological changes. The research examines how the kynurenine pathway, which processes the amino acid tryptophan into either neuroprotective or neurotoxic chemicals, differs in its operation between male and female adolescents. This research is particularly poignant for Thai adolescents, as mental health awareness grows within the country amidst shifting cultural norms and increasing academic pressures.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers employing virtual reality (VR) and functional MRI have unveiled distinct neural communication patterns in children with ADHD, diverging significantly from traditional methods that focus on resting brain states. Conducted by a collaboration of European universities, including Aalto University, the research underscores the potential of dynamic diagnostic methods and gamified tools in transforming ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, remains a prevalent condition affecting many Thai children, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Current diagnostic practices often rely on static brain imaging, which fails to capture the nuances of how these symptoms manifest in real-world interactions. This study marks a significant pivot towards understanding ADHD as an active neurodevelopmental disorder, where the brain’s interaction with the environment becomes a crucial diagnostic element.

A European partnership using virtual reality and functional MRI maps how children with ADHD communicate during active tasks, not just at rest. The study points to dynamic diagnostic methods and gamified tools that could reshape ADHD identification and treatment. For Thai readers, the findings suggest practical ways to tailor classroom and clinical interventions.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects many Thai children and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Traditional assessments often rely on static brain imaging, which misses how symptoms unfold in real-life interactions. The research frames ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by environmental engagement, offering a more holistic diagnostic perspective.

A recent industry analysis highlights why some vitamin C serums cost over a hundred dollars while budget options still promise visible benefits. The discussion points to formulation complexity, stability research, and ingredient quality as key drivers of price, with practical takeaways for Thai readers seeking value and effectiveness.

Vitamin C is prized for brightening and anti-aging effects, but its stability is notoriously tricky. Stability directly affects how well a serum works over time. The higher-priced SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is famous for its patented stabilization approach, which improves solubility and longevity of the active ingredients. Industry observers describe vitamin C as a “diva ingredient” that needs specific conditions to perform at its best.