Nutrition

A recent US report reveals that ultra-processed foods now account for 60% of American diets, raising urgent questions about the health costs of convenience and what this trend may signal for Thai consumers (WRAL). As Thailand’s urban lifestyles evolve and Western-style diets gain popularity, Thai health experts warn the nation may be following a similar—and troubling—trajectory.

Ultra-processed foods, often packaged for convenience, include items like sweetened breakfast cereals, instant noodles, reconstituted meat products, and sugary drinks. These foods are typically high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, while being low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). The sheer scale observed in the US—where more than half of daily caloric intake comes from such products—has serious implications for public health: studies consistently link diets high in ultra-processed foods to increased rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers (BMJ).

A recent US study shows ultra-processed foods now comprise about 60% of daily calories, fueling concerns about the health costs of convenience. Thai health experts caution that a similar pattern could take root here as urban lifestyles and Western-style snacks spread across the country.

Ultra-processed foods are typically packaged for speed and ease. They include sweetened cereals, instant noodles, reconstituted meats, and sugary beverages. These items tend to be high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, while offering little fiber, vitamins, or minerals. In the United States, the scale of consumption has sparked discussions about rising obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers, prompting policymakers to reexamine food environments.

A major policy shift in the United States could reshape how Thailand approaches child dental health. The FDA announced plans to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops for children in non-fluoridated areas, citing new questions about systemic fluoride’s effects on gut health and development. The move has sparked debate among dental professionals, policymakers, and parents worldwide. In Thailand, where childhood tooth decay remains a pressing issue, the development carries important public health implications.

A new scientific study has revealed that simply restricting carbohydrate intake twice a week—rather than severely cutting calories through intermittent fasting—can offer similar improvements in metabolic health. This finding promises a potentially more sustainable and accessible route for people in Thailand and worldwide seeking the metabolic advantages typically associated with intermittent fasting, but who struggle with its more stringent regimens. The research, published on May 11, 2025, provides fresh insights into how diet modification can contribute to better heart and metabolic function without the challenges of strict calorie deprivation (ScienceAlert).

A new study suggests that restricting carbohydrates on two days each week, rather than undertaking strict calorie restriction, may deliver similar metabolic benefits to intermittent fasting. The finding points to a potentially more sustainable approach for Thais and others seeking the health advantages of fasting without demanding dietary changes. Researchers published the study on May 11, 2025, highlighting how simple carb reductions can influence heart and metabolic function.

Intermittent fasting has grown in popularity in Thailand, appealing to urban professionals and health-minded individuals aiming to manage weight and reduce disease risk. Yet many regimens, including the 5:2 plan, can be hard to sustain and may impact nutritional balance. In Thailand, where traditional meals often feature rice and noodles, a two-day-per-week carb-cut strategy could be more realistic while still supporting metabolic health.

A wave of cutting-edge scientific research has triggered global alarm bells over the dangers of sugar, with health experts comparing its addictiveness and health impact to those of nicotine and even cocaine. As new findings highlight the biochemical and psychological hold of sugar on the brain, Thailand is both a consumer and battleground, taking concrete policy steps to help curb this ‘sweet danger’ before it causes a wider epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

A wave of recent research shows sugar can trigger addiction-like brain responses and powerful cravings. Health experts compare its impact to substances such as nicotine, underscoring a growing concern about obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Thailand is responding with strategic policies aimed at reducing sugar intake and guiding healthier choices for families.

Sugar has become pervasive in modern diets. In the United States, more than 60% of food and beverage products contain added sugars, a pattern echoed in many Asian markets as processed foods expand. The average North American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, far above guidelines. In Thailand, studies indicate that a large portion of the population regularly consumes sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to rising health risks.

A recent study suggests that restricting carbohydrates on just two days per week can yield metabolic benefits similar to those of intermittent fasting. The findings point to a more approachable option for improving heart and metabolic health without severe hunger or major dietary upheaval. For Thai readers, this could translate into practical changes that fit busy urban lives and traditional dining patterns.

Intermittent fasting, especially the 5:2 approach, has gained popularity worldwide, including in Thailand, as a tool for weight management and metabolic wellness. Yet many people struggle with hunger, disrupted meals, or concerns about nutrient adequacy. The new research, led by a nutrition expert from the University of Surrey and published in The Conversation, investigates whether carbohydrate restriction on two days a week can produce similar benefits. The study summary is reported by ScienceAlert.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that restricting carbohydrates just two days a week may provide the same metabolic health benefits as the more challenging intermittent fasting diets, offering hope for simpler approaches to improving heart and metabolic health. These findings could open new doors for Thai readers eager to enhance their health but daunted by the demanding routines of traditional fasting regimens.

Intermittent fasting — especially the popular “5:2” version, where people drastically reduce calorie intake on two days each week — has won devotees around the world, including in Thailand, for its reputation as a weight loss tool with additional metabolic perks. However, many Thais and others have struggled to stick with fasting due to hunger pangs, meal disruption, or concerns about nutritional adequacy. The latest research, led by an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey and published on May 11, 2025, in The Conversation, offers a gentler alternative: twice-a-week carbohydrate (not calorie) restriction may deliver similar health benefits without forcing people to go extremely hungry or disrupt their regular eating habits, according to their study outlined on ScienceAlert.

Yoghurt has become a talking point in health circles, with new studies reinforcing its potential benefits. While many praise its probiotics, protein, and vitamins, experts warn that not all yoghurts are equal. For Thais seeking reliable dietary guidance in a post-pandemic era, understanding yoghurt’s role can support public health and daily wellbeing.

Yoghurt is produced by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria. The result is a tangy, creamy product that contains live probiotic cultures believed to support gut health. Global interest in fermented foods has grown in recent years as nutrition science highlights their potential advantages for digestion and overall wellness. According to research reported by leading nutrition scientists, regular yoghurt consumption is associated with several health benefits.

Eating yoghurt daily has earned substantial attention in recent years as new research continues to unveil an expanding list of health benefits. Proponents praise yoghurt for its probiotics, protein, and vitamins, but experts warn that not all varieties are created equal – and making the right choice is crucial. With Thais increasingly seeking dietary guidance in a post-pandemic era, understanding yoghurt’s role can help improve public health and well-being.

Yoghurt, a staple in healthy diets worldwide, is produced through the bacterial fermentation of milk, most often using cultures of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The end product delivers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, but more importantly, it carries a host of live beneficial bacteria – probiotics – which are known to support gut health. Over the past decade, global consumption of yoghurt and other fermented foods has surged, largely owing to recommendations from nutritionists and mounting scientific evidence connecting its consumption to numerous health improvements (Wikipedia; Frontiers).

New research casts doubt on the idea that collagen peptides reliably increase tendon thickness, a common claim in wellness marketing. In Thailand, where badminton, football, and Muay Thai are popular, many athletes have turned to collagen as a potential shield against injuries. A recent review highlighted by a mainstream health site suggests that thicker tendons may not be a guaranteed outcome of collagen supplementation.

Collagen peptides are marketed as building blocks for connective tissues, skin, and cartilage. In Thai sports culture, supplements are widely used to address joint pain, speed up recovery, and enhance performance. Yet scientific evidence for these benefits—especially the idea that collagen boosts tendon thickness—remains mixed.

Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity as a dietary trend, championed for its potential to unlock weight loss and better health. Recent research, including new studies published this year, is bringing a more nuanced view to the discussion—offering fresh insights as well as cautionary notes for Thai readers exploring this lifestyle change.

For Thais keeping an eye on health trends, intermittent fasting (IF) has been touted everywhere—from fitness influencers on YouTube to community health clinics. IF typically means limiting food intake to certain windows during the day, such as an 8-hour eating period followed by a 16-hour fast. This approach has been championed for its potential to burn fat, improve metabolic health, and even support longevity.

A recent wave of consumer interest in collagen peptides has swept through Thailand, with many athletes and wellness enthusiasts hoping these popular supplements can strengthen tendons and prevent injuries. But new research, as highlighted in a recent Barbend article, challenges widely held beliefs about the effectiveness of collagen peptides for increasing tendon thickness—a key marker often associated with tendon health and injury prevention [barbend.com].

The fascination with collagen peptides stems from their biological role as building blocks for connective tissue, skin, and cartilage. In Thailand, where sports like badminton, football, and Muay Thai are widely practiced, tendon injuries are a common concern. Supplement brands have capitalized on this demand, marketing collagen as a solution for joint pain, faster recovery, and even enhanced athletic performance. However, scientific evidence behind some of these claims has been less clear.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has surged in popularity as a simple approach to weight loss and health. New studies this year offer a more nuanced view, inviting Thai readers to weigh benefits against potential limits and risks.

For many Thais, IF has appeared everywhere—from fitness channels to community clinics. The basic idea is to eat within a designated window, such as an 8-hour period, followed by a 16-hour fast. Proponents argue that this pattern can aid fat loss, improve metabolic health, and even support longevity.

Thai health-conscious snackers and fitness enthusiasts have fresh reason to reach for nuts after a wave of new research highlights both their protein power and broader nutritional value. The latest findings, including a May 2025 overview in Women’s Health Magazine and new updates from nutrition experts and scientific studies, confirm that some nuts—while small in size—pack an outsized nutritional punch that extends beyond just protein to include a wealth of vital micronutrients (Women’s Health Magazine). But for those specifically looking for the highest plant-based protein content, the rankings may surprise you and offer practical benefits for both everyday wellness and longevity.

Nuts are more than a quick snack. New research highlights their protein power and rich micronutrient profile, offering practical benefits for daily wellness and heart health. A recent overview in health-focused media and ongoing studies show that certain nuts deliver notable plant-based protein while also supplying magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber. For readers seeking the highest protein content, almonds, pistachios, and peanuts (though peanuts are legumes) consistently rank among the top options, providing roughly 4–7 grams of protein per ounce.

Rising food prices in the United States are making it harder for Americans to maintain a healthy diet, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey that highlights the growing challenge of nutritious eating amidst persistent inflation. With 90% of American adults acknowledging that the cost of healthy food has climbed in recent years, and nearly 70% saying these prices are directly impacting their ability to eat well, the survey reveals an urgent national health concern that has ripple effects far beyond US borders, including in Thailand.

A new Pew Research Center survey shows rising food costs are squeezing Americans’ ability to eat healthily, signaling a global tension between affordability and nutrition. Ninety percent of American adults acknowledge higher prices for healthy foods, while about 70% say price increases affect what they can eat. This trend, though rooted in the United States, resonates with Thai households facing similar inflationary pressures and concerns about diet quality.

The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where urban households and low-income families are also grappling with nutritious-eating choices amid price volatility. As prices rise, there is a risk that people substitute healthier options for cheaper, less nutritious foods. This dynamic mirrors broader health challenges observed worldwide, underscoring the need for locally tailored responses in Thailand to protect diet quality and long-term wellbeing.

A leading Harvard medical expert highlights four snack options that can fit into daily life without harming liver or gut health. For Thai readers navigating busy schedules and the impact of Western snack trends, this guidance offers a practical, science-backed way to snack smarter while staying aligned with local dietary habits.

Public concern in Thailand over liver and digestive health is rising, with NAFLD and digestive disorders becoming more common. These conditions are often linked to high-sugar, high-fat processed foods that are widespread in modern Thai diets. The Harvard doctor’s advice provides a clear path: choose snacks that nourish the body rather than undermine it, a message that resonates with Thailand’s growing emphasis on healthy living.

A healthier diet could influence when Thai girls reach menarche, new research suggests. The study indicates that eating a nutrient-rich, low-inflammatory diet may reduce the risk of early puberty. This finding matters for families, teachers, and health professionals in Thailand, where earlier puberty is linked to long-term health challenges such as higher risks of breast cancer, metabolic disorders, and mental health concerns.

Around the world, girls are entering puberty earlier than in past generations. In Thailand, educators and health officials have noticed the shift and its potential impact on young girls’ emotional well-being. Early menstruation has been associated with heightened risks for chronic diseases in adulthood, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, according to research compiled by global health authorities and Thai public health data.

In an age where snack foods often carry the blame for rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases, a prominent Harvard medical expert has spotlighted four specific snack options that can be enjoyed daily without jeopardizing liver or gut health. This comes as welcome news to Thai readers who are increasingly conscious of both diet-related illnesses and the influence of Western fast food culture on local snacking habits. The advice aligns with broader global trends in nutritional science, which highlight the importance of making mindful snack choices to support overall health.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago has revealed that a Western-style diet—heavy in processed foods, red meat, dairy, and sugar but low in plant-based fiber—seriously impairs the gut’s ability to recover after antibiotic treatment. This discovery, which appeared in the prestigious journal Nature, carries important implications for public health in Thailand, as local dietary habits grow increasingly influenced by Western food trends (Earth.com).

The significance of the research lies in its clear demonstration that the foods we eat not only shape the diversity and resilience of our gut microbiome but also determine how quickly we can bounce back after health interventions such as antibiotic use. For Thais, whose traditional cuisine is rich in vegetables, herbs, and fermented foods, this study serves as a timely reminder of the power of local food culture in safeguarding health.

Childhood nutrition could play a powerful role in when Thai girls experience their first period, with new research revealing that a healthier diet may significantly reduce the risk of early menstruation. This development is especially significant for families and educators in Thailand, as earlier onset of menstruation—or menarche—is linked to increased health risks later in life, including heightened breast cancer risk, metabolic disorders, and psychological challenges.

Across the globe, girls are beginning their periods at younger ages than in previous generations. In Thailand, this shift has not gone unnoticed. Health officials and school counselors have observed similar trends, raising concerns about the long-term health impacts and the additional emotional burden placed on young girls, who must navigate adolescence sooner than expected. Early menstruation is strongly associated with various chronic diseases in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hormone-related cancers, according to the World Health Organization and recent Thai Ministry of Public Health reports (cnn.com).