Nutrition

Elite athletes around the world are quietly transforming the landscape of sports nutrition, embracing plant-based proteins that go far beyond the familiar tofu and tempeh. New research and practical experience show that hemp seeds, spirulina, amaranth, nutritional yeast, and pumpkin seeds are taking centre stage in the recovery and endurance routines of Olympic champions, ultramarathoners, and professional fighters—offering benefits that rival or even surpass traditional animal protein sources. These six under-the-radar foods are not only accessible but have been hiding in plain sight on local supermarket shelves, signaling a new chapter in sports performance nutrition that resonates globally and right here in Thailand, where health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to meat-heavy diets.

Hair health is linked to nutrition, and new findings on vitamin A shed light on scalp health and growth. For Thai readers facing humid weather and evolving dietary habits, understanding vitamin A helps people make informed choices without overdoing supplements.

In Thai culture, healthy hair symbolizes wellness and beauty, from weddings to daily grooming. The growing interest in vitamin A comes as many Thais seek nutrition-based solutions amid social media influence and a rising market for supplements. Clinicians emphasize balance, noting vitamins interact with the body’s hair biology.

A growing trend among teenagers to pursue what they see as natural, “crunchy” wellness is raising new concerns among health professionals, who warn that teens embracing extreme eating habits in the name of health may be putting themselves at real risk. The so-called “crunchy teen” movement, which promotes natural foods, holistic remedies, and sometimes outright rejection of conventional medicine, is spreading rapidly on social media platforms and affecting adolescent behaviors worldwide, including here in Thailand.

Canned fish has shifted from pantry staple to a common daily topic in Thailand. Busy lifestyles, convenient packaging, and social media trends drive interest. For Thai readers, the focus is health, affordability, and how canned fish fits local eating patterns. Health experts advocate a balanced view: canned fish provides nutrition, but mindful choices are needed to avoid excess salt, fat, or contaminants.

In Thailand, canned sardines, tuna, and mackerel are popular in both urban and rural households. They support quick meals and offer a reliable source of protein with long shelf life. Market observers note growing engagement with tinned fish across social platforms, reflecting a global move toward convenient seafood that still aligns with Thai flavors and cooking styles.

A growing “crunchy teen” wellness movement is drawing concern from health professionals who warn that extreme, unverified practices can harm young people. The trend promotes natural foods and holistic remedies and sometimes questions conventional medicine. It spreads rapidly on social media and influences Thai youths as well as peers worldwide, making reliable guidance essential.

While the desire for healthier living is common, the crunchy teen phenomenon differs from ordinary nutrition advice. Some adolescents pursue restrictive diets, parasite cleansing, or raw and fermented foods based on online claims. A family medicine practitioner at a leading health system notes that the movement fuels the spread of misleading health information among youth, with potentially serious consequences.

The humble tin of fish, once seen as little more than an emergency pantry staple, has vaulted into the limelight as the latest foodie obsession. Social media has driven a revival—dubbed “TinTok”—with a new generation embracing sardines, mackerel, tuna, and anchovies for their convenience, chic packaging, and purported health benefits. But amid the trendiness, nutrition experts and food safety authorities urge consumers to consider both the upsides and potential downsides before making canned fish a daily staple.

A recent study indicates that adding chickpeas to the daily diet can meaningfully reduce cholesterol, offering a tasty, accessible path to better heart health. Thai nutrition experts view chickpeas as a practical pantry staple for families. Researchers from a United States university found that adults at risk of diabetes who ate a cup of chickpeas daily for 12 weeks lowered their total cholesterol from borderline high to a safer level, suggesting promising dietary options for cardiovascular risk management.

A new study has revealed that adding chickpeas to your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels—offering a tasty and accessible boost to heart health, with Thai nutrition experts urging locals to embrace this pantry staple. Researchers from the Illinois Institute of Technology found that people at risk of diabetes who ate chickpeas daily for 12 weeks saw their cholesterol levels drop from borderline high to a healthier range, providing hopeful news for those looking to manage cardiovascular risk through diet (Business Insider).

A new wave of research and expert opinion has highlighted edamame—young, tender soybeans—as the standout high-protein snack for improving gut health, according to a leading gastroenterologist. As the snacking culture grows both abroad and in Thailand, this finding could help guide healthier snack choices for Thai consumers looking to enhance digestive well-being and overall health.

Snack consumption represents a significant portion of daily caloric intake worldwide. In the United States, surveys indicate that snacks comprise approximately 20% of total dietary energy. While it is easy to find snacks that satisfy the palate, the challenge lies in selecting options that fulfill both taste and nutritional needs, especially for those mindful of gut health and weight management. This is not only relevant to American diners but has growing resonance in Thailand, where urban lifestyles and changing eating habits have seen increased snack consumption, especially among younger generations (EatingWell).

A growing body of research highlights edamame—young, tender soybeans—as a top high-protein snack that also supports gut health. For Thai readers, this simple option fits modern snacking while boosting digestive well-being.

Snack choices make up a sizable share of daily calories worldwide. In many countries, snacks account for about one-fifth of total energy intake. People want options that nourish the gut and help with weight management. In Thailand, urban living and changing diets have increased snack consumption, especially among younger adults.

Eggs remain a frequent topic in health debates, but recent reviews and expert insights help separate fact from fiction. Moderate consumption—roughly one egg per day—fits into healthy diets for most people, including many Thai families, when paired with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Why this matters in Thailand? Eggs are a staple in Thai cooking, featured in dishes from kai jeow to comforting soups. With cardiovascular disease continuing to be a major health concern in the region, understanding how eggs fit into a balanced diet supports public health, food security, and cultural traditions.

The debate over whether eggs are harmful or beneficial to health has endured for decades, with recent research and expert commentary helping to clarify long-standing misconceptions about their impact, particularly on cholesterol and heart disease. According to a 2025 investigation by Vogue, which drew on nutrition and medical experts like Dr. Emily Leeming, eggs are now recognized as a nutritional powerhouse that can fit sensibly into most diets—yet questions persist, especially for Thai households where eggs are a staple (Vogue).

A growing body of scientific research is positioning spermidine—a naturally occurring compound found in certain foods and within the human body—as a potential “Swiss army knife of longevity,” offering wide-ranging benefits from heart and brain health to hair growth and immune support. The latest synthesis of this trend, highlighted in a recent piece from the New York Post, explores emerging evidence on spermidine’s ability to slow aging, support hormone balance, and promote healthier hair and internal organs, drawing intense interest among scientists, clinicians, and health-conscious citizens globally—including in Thailand.

Spermidine is a natural compound found in foods and the human body. It is gaining attention as a potential booster for healthy aging. Early evidence points to benefits for heart and brain health, hair vitality, and immune function. Researchers are examining how spermidine may slow aging processes and influence hormonal balance. The conversation is growing in Thailand as the population ages and chronic diseases rise.

For Thai readers, understanding spermidine matters. Thailand is facing increasing rates of diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. Health authorities and communities seek practical, preventive approaches that fit Thai lifestyles. Spermidine could become part of everyday choices, alongside traditional wellness practices and a growing interest in functional foods and dietary supplements.

A growing number of Thais and health-conscious individuals worldwide are investing in dietary supplements marketed for gut health, seeking promises of improved digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, recent research and expert advice suggest that many popular gut health supplements may not provide the benefits they claim—and, in some cases, could even be harmful. According to registered dietitians featured in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell, widely consumed products such as over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids should generally be approached with caution—or skipped altogether—in favor of a wholesome, fiber-rich diet and lifestyle changes (EatingWell).

A new study points to the promise of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) for people living with type 2 diabetes in Thailand and beyond. This approach aims to reproduce fasting’s metabolic benefits while allowing limited nutrient intake, offering a non-drug option to help improve blood sugar control.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health challenge in Thailand. Sedentary lifestyles and changes in diet contribute to rising cases. Effective blood sugar management is essential to prevent kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart problems. A dietary strategy that complements medical care could be especially valuable in Thai communities where meals commonly feature rice and noodles.

A new study has brought hope to millions living with type 2 diabetes globally and in Thailand, revealing that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) may significantly improve blood sugar control. The latest findings, detailed in Medical News Today, suggest that adopting an eating pattern that simulates the effects of fasting without total food deprivation could play a valuable role in diabetes management.

Type 2 diabetes is a mounting concern in Thailand, where shifting dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles contribute to rising rates of the condition. Blood sugar regulation remains the cornerstone of diabetes treatment, with poorly controlled glucose levels linked to complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular issues. The possibility that a non-pharmaceutical dietary approach can help ease this burden is particularly relevant for Thai patients navigating both medical and cultural food practices.

As Thailand continues to embrace health-conscious eating, a buzz has emerged around one question: which berry truly packs the greatest nutritional punch? From the tangy strawberry fields of Samoeng to imported blueberries lining Bangkok’s supermarket shelves, berries have become a local staple and a symbol of premium nutrition. A recent wave of research and international dietitian commentary suggests that while all common berries—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries—offer unique health supershots, choosing the “healthiest” is not as simple as picking a single berry from the basket. With varying concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, each berry brings its own strengths. So, what does the latest research say, and how does it matter for Thai consumers seeking optimal wellbeing through diet?

A growing number of health-conscious Thai residents chase easier digestion and stronger immunity through gut-health supplements. Yet expert guidance and recent reviews suggest many popular products offer limited benefit and can even cause harm. Dietitians highlighted in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell urge caution with over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids, recommending a fiber-rich diet and healthy lifestyle as the foundation.

The topic hits home in Thailand, where the wellness market is expanding rapidly. Social media and aggressive marketing push consumers toward pills and powders as quick fixes for digestive concerns. The shift toward food-first strategies aligns with traditional Thai eating patterns, helping readers understand what works and what does not while protecting health and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

A naturally occurring compound, spermidine, is emerging as a powerful ally in the quest for a longer and healthier life, with recent research and expert opinions highlighting its potential benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair growth. Described as the “Swiss army knife of longevity” by leading figures in wellness research, spermidine’s allure comes from both scientific evidence and its availability in a range of foods that are familiar to Thai households.

Spermidine is gaining attention as a potential ally for longer, healthier living. Experts point to its possible benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair health. Wellbeing researchers call it a “Swiss army knife of longevity,” noting its presence in familiar foods and its growing scientific basis.

A longevity specialist from Oxford emphasizes spermidine’s role in cellular maintenance. The nutrient activates autophagy, a recycling process that clears damaged cells and may reduce aging and inflammation. As people age, natural production of spermidine declines, making dietary sources and supplements a topic of interest. Data from reputable studies suggests dietary intake can support long-term health goals.

As Thai households move toward healthier eating, the question remains: which berry truly offers the most health benefits? From Samoeng strawberry fields to berries sold in Bangkok markets, berries are now a common feature in Thai diets. Experts agree that blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries all provide strong health advantages, but no single berry stands out as the ultimate. Each variety brings a unique mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which Thai readers can leverage by choosing a diverse handful of berries.

A new study suggests betaine, a natural compound found in foods like beets, leafy greens, and whole grains, could mimic some benefits of exercise. Researchers say betaine may help reduce chronic inflammation and slow tissue ageing, offering a complementary approach to healthy ageing. The study notes that exercise naturally raises body betaine levels, while supplements might replicate some exercise benefits. This could be meaningful for people who cannot engage in regular physical activity due to mobility or health constraints.

In a landmark study that could reshape approaches to healthy ageing, researchers have identified a natural supplement, betaine, that mimics the benefits of exercise—including reduced inflammation and slowed tissue ageing. This finding, recently published in the scientific journal Cell and widely reported in international media, has the potential to revolutionize the fight against age-related diseases and extend human healthspan, particularly for those unable to maintain regular physical activity (gbnews.com, medicalxpress.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, nmn.com).

A collaborative team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University in Beijing conducted an in-depth analysis revealing that betaine, a compound found naturally in foods such as beetroot, spinach, and whole grains, interacts with key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and cellular ageing. Crucially, regular exercise was found to increase levels of betaine in the body—but new evidence now shows that taking betaine as a supplement can trigger similar anti-ageing effects, offering hope to those unable to exercise regularly due to physical limitations or chronic illness.