Nutrition

Beetroot powder is a popular wellness trend in Thailand, sold as a quick energy booster and stand-in for heart-healthy nutrition. With products ranging from heart chews to pre-workout blends, consumers want to know if the science backs marketing claims or if hype is driving consumption.

Beetroot’s appeal centers on two natural bioactives: betalains, the pigments that give beets their deep red color, and dietary nitrates. Betalains are linked to heart-protective effects, while nitrates help form nitric oxide, supporting blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. Importantly, these compounds largely survive processing into powder or juice, though levels vary by beet variety and production methods, which means results can differ across brands.

Beetroot powder has been making waves across the health and wellness community, with supplement makers touting its ability to boost energy, improve heart health, and elevate workout performance. But as enthusiastic consumers in Thailand and beyond scoop up products ranging from heart chews to pre-workout boosters laced with beetroot, the question remains: does the scientific evidence back up the hype, or are marketing claims getting ahead of the facts?

Much of the allure of beetroot powder centers on two main bioactive compounds found naturally in beets: betalains, the pigments responsible for their deep red color, and dietary nitrates, which some vegetables—like celery and lettuce—share in abundance. According to Dr. Kirsten Brandt, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University’s Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, betalains offer heart-protective properties, while bodily conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide strengthens blood vessel function and manages inflammation (source: Men’s Health). Importantly, these beneficial compounds generally survive the process of turning beets into powder or juice, although concentrations can vary depending on the beet variety and processing technique.

The debate over breakfast timing may finally be shifting as new research upends the old advice to “eat as soon as you wake up.” Health and nutrition experts are now suggesting that delaying breakfast by a couple of hours and prioritizing the right nutrients may support better metabolic health, sustained energy, and even long-term disease prevention, with important implications for Thai readers navigating changing lifestyles and rising rates of diabetes.

A wave of excitement has hit health and wellness circles following claims that a “fasting mimicking diet” (FMD) can help individuals lose stubborn belly fat in as little as five days. Recent headlines, like the one from First for Women, are stirring curiosity and hope among those looking for quick, effective, and sustainable weight loss solutions. But can this new dietary protocol truly deliver such dramatic results, or is it merely the latest fad to sweep social media?

A wave of curiosity has swept health circles as claims spread that a fasting mimicking diet (FMD) can reduce stubborn belly fat in as little as five days. Headlines from wellness outlets have sparked interest among readers seeking quick, sustainable weight loss. But can this approach deliver dramatic results, or is it just another social media fad?

To understand the buzz, it helps to know how FMD differs from traditional fasting. Developed by biogerontologist Dr. Valter Longo at a major U.S. university, FMD aims to imitate the effects of water-only fasting while allowing limited calories. Over five consecutive days, people follow a plant-based plan low in protein and sugar but high in healthy fats, keeping total calories far below normal intake. The goal is to trigger cellular repair and fat-burning processes without complete food abstention. According to research from Longo’s team, the program can simulate fasting without total fasting.

A fresh wave of research into collagen supplements has sparked considerable debate, questioning the true benefits these products offer for skin and joint health. With Thais increasingly turning to collagen powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and pain-free movement, the latest evidence raises important questions about whether these popular supplements deliver on their bold claims—or if they’re just another fleeting consumer trend.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, forming a crucial structure for our skin, bones, and joints. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and joint discomfort—ailments that many Thai people, especially those over 40, are eager to combat. It’s common to see collagen products on pharmacy shelves across Thailand, from Bangkok malls to local markets. But does popping a collagen capsule or sipping a strawberry-flavored collagen drink actually slow the aging process or ease joint pain?

A playful TikTok trend called “dinosaur time” is drawing millions of views by encouraging people to eat more leafy greens—simply by grabbing a fistful of raw vegetables and chomping like a prehistoric creature. As social media shapes health choices in Thailand and beyond, readers may wonder whether this quirky hack is genuinely beneficial or just a passing fad. Health professionals weigh in, offering surprising insights.

The trend, popularized by a TikTok creator, features fast, unedited footage of greens being eaten in a carefree, humorous way. The approach taps into a powerful idea: reducing barriers to vegetable consumption can boost daily intake, especially among kids and teens. A dietitian from the United States notes that it’s an easy, no-prep method that resonates with people overwhelmed by cooking, making it a clever way to increase veggie consumption, even if it’s not perfect nutrition.

A wave of new studies is fueling debates over whether collagen supplements truly benefit skin and joints—especially as more Thai consumers reach for powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and easier movement. The latest science invites careful scrutiny of bold claims and whether these products live up to expectations or simply ride a global trend.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, forming key support for skin, bones, and joints. As people age, collagen production naturally declines, contributing to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint discomfort. In Thailand, collagen products are widely available—from Bangkok malls to local markets—yet many wonder if taking a capsule or drinking a collagen beverage actually slows aging or eases pain.

A growing body of global research is spotlighting an increasingly simple, yet potentially transformative, dietary strategy: meal sequencing—eating your foods in a specific order, starting with protein and fiber-rich vegetables and ending with carbohydrates. Recent studies reveal that not only what you eat, but the order in which you eat it, can have powerful effects on blood sugar, appetite, and long-term health, especially for Thai people seeking practical ways to prevent diabetes and manage weight.

Carbohydrates are not the enemy. New expert-backed findings show that high-protein carbohydrate foods support both overall health and muscle growth. Dietitians urge readers not to fear carbs, arguing that the key is choosing options that deliver energy plus protein. This approach is especially relevant for Thailand, where staples like ข้าว, noodles, and beans remain central to everyday meals.

Why this matters for Thai readers Carbs fuel the brain and body. The brain alone needs roughly 110–145 grams of carbohydrates daily for optimal function, according to a senior dietitian at a major U.S. health network. Cutting carbs too aggressively can force the body to break down muscle for energy, weakening strength and long-term health. In Thailand, rice (ข้าว) and noodles are deeply woven into daily life, so understanding the quality of carbohydrates matters as much as quantity for sustaining health.

A growing global line of research suggests a simple dietary strategy could yield big health benefits: meal sequencing. Eating foods in a specific order—starting with protein and fiber-rich vegetables, then carbohydrates—can influence blood sugar, appetite, and long-term health. This approach resonates with Thai audiences seeking practical ways to prevent diabetes and manage weight without drastic dietary changes.

Historically, Thai health guidance has emphasized balanced diets to reduce heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Now, researchers and clinicians argue that meal sequencing could enhance those benefits by dampening post-meal blood sugar spikes and increasing satiety. As one expert notes, the science behind this approach is solid, not a passing trend. The basic idea is to begin meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables—such as non-starchy greens—before moving to rice, noodles, and refined carbs. This pattern can offer distinct metabolic advantages.

For decades, fitness enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand and around the world have debated whether eating animal-based or plant-based protein is better for muscle building. Now, new research from the University of Illinois—published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise—has found that both plant and meat proteins support muscle growth equally, so long as overall protein intake is sufficient. This finding could shift the way Thai athletes, gym-goers, and health-conscious citizens approach their diets, expanding acceptance of plant-based eating patterns while reassuring those who consume traditional animal protein sources.

A recent study from the University of Illinois, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, shows that plant-based and animal-based proteins support muscle growth equally well, provided overall daily protein intake is sufficient. This finding offers Thai gym-goers and health-conscious citizens more flexibility in their diets while respecting traditional eating patterns.

The study involved 40 healthy adults aged 20 to 40 who trained regularly. Researchers found no meaningful difference in muscle growth between vegan and omnivorous diets when total protein intake was around 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. An important takeaway is that distributing protein evenly across meals did not outperform concentrating protein in fewer meals. In short, meeting daily protein needs matters more than meal timing.

New research is challenging the traditional advice to “eat breakfast as soon as you wake.” Experts now suggest delaying the first meal by a couple of hours and choosing the right nutrients to support metabolism, energy, and long-term disease prevention. This nuanced approach has particular relevance for Thai readers juggling busy lifestyles and rising rates of diabetes.

The old belief that breakfast is the “most important meal of the day” has long influenced public messaging and consumer marketing. Yet in Thailand, where office workers grab toast on the run and students sometimes skip breakfast, flexible eating patterns may be more realistic. Recent summaries by health and nutrition experts emphasize timing and composition for better health outcomes, aligning with evolving global guidance.

Protein bars are popular for busy lifestyles and fitness goals, but new expert insights urge Thai consumers to look closely at what’s inside the wrapper. As these convenient snacks line shelves in supermarkets and gyms, it’s important to weigh benefits against potential drawbacks when making protein bars a daily habit.

Experts caution that not all protein bars are created equal. While some provide real nutritional value, many are highly processed, high in added sugars, and rely on low-quality protein sources. A registered dietitian notes that bars can help increase protein intake for those who struggle to meet needs through whole foods, but they should not replace meals like eggs, lean meats, beans, or low-fat dairy on a regular basis.

A leading gastroenterologist has revealed four powerful food combinations that can unlock greater nutritional benefits—insights that could guide Thai families toward better gut health and immunity. According to Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, featured in a recent article by EatingWell, the old belief that “you are what you eat” takes on new meaning when we consider not just what, but also how and with what, we eat our foods. This news arrives at a time when Thais are increasingly concerned with practical ways to fortify their health through diet, especially given the nation’s rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases and a growing awareness of nutrition’s role in disease prevention.EatingWell article

A renowned gastroenterologist shares four nutrient-packed pairings that could help Thai families improve gut health and overall immunity. The guidance, featured in a recent EatingWell piece, reframes “you are what you eat” by highlighting not just ingredients, but how and with what they are eaten. This comes as Thais seek practical dietary strategies amid rising lifestyle-related health concerns and a growing interest in nutrition’s role in prevention.

Food synergy is a long-standing idea, but new evidence is shedding light on how the right combinations can maximize nutrient absorption. These pairings go beyond flavor, potentially enhancing the health benefits of everyday ingredients found in Thai kitchens—from street-food staples to home-cooked meals.

The United States will phase out all petroleum-based synthetic food dyes—including those that give Gatorade and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos their iconic colors—by the end of 2026, according to a stunning policy announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While this sweeping change has grabbed global headlines, scientists continue to point out that, so far, there is no clear evidence that these artificial dyes are directly harmful to humans. The move is already stirring debates and questions among Thai consumers and food manufacturers, as many of the same synthetic dyes are widely used in Thailand, particularly in candies, snacks, and beverages beloved by children and adults alike. What does the science really say about these colorful additives? Should Thailand follow America’s lead?

A major U.S. policy shift could reshape the way colors appear in our foods. By the end of 2026, the United States plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. The goal is to retire six of the most-used dyes and eventually end the use of two remaining colors. The announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked global discussion, including in Thailand, where similar colorants are common in candies, snacks, and drinks.

The recent Make America Healthy Again campaign has ignited fresh debate over the dietary role of seed oils, urging Americans to eliminate these oils for better health—a message now resonating with health-conscious audiences in Thailand. The campaign claims that removing commonly used seed oils, such as soybean, corn, sunflower, canola, and cottonseed oils, from the everyday diet can lead to improved heart health, lower rates of chronic illness, and a return to traditional eating habits—a stance backed by some nutrition advocates but challenged by leading health organizations.

A new wave in weight management may be upon us, as the 2025 investigative report on AquaSculpt—an innovative hydration-based fat-loss supplement—captures the attention of health-conscious consumers worldwide. Unlike the stimulant-driven or restrictive diet fads that have left many frustrated and exhausted, AquaSculpt’s promise of thermogenic hydration is reshaping how we think about safe and sustainable fat loss. With over 27,000 users participating in a recently reviewed long-term consumer study and positive real-world testimonials mounting across social media, this once-daily supplement is being hailed as a “beacon of hope” in what many have dubbed the “hydration revolution” for weight loss. Source

As diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and “sugar-free” treats line supermarket shelves across Thailand, consumers are turning in increasing numbers to artificial sweeteners in hopes of enjoying sweet flavors without the adverse health effects of sugar. However, a growing wave of scientific research is challenging the widespread belief that artificial sweeteners are a healthier choice, suggesting instead that these calorie-free sugar substitutes may bring their own health risks — including increased appetite, fat accumulation, and potentially heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent exposé published by The Independent and corroborated by the latest global studies (The Independent).

On April 16, 2025, a wave of headlines swept across global media spotlighting two seemingly distant, but equally compelling stories: an all-female Blue Origin crew’s response to public criticism of their landmark spaceflight, and a nutritionist’s fresh ranking of the highest-protein nuts for health-conscious readers. These stories, though international in flavor, offer key lessons for Thai readers about women’s representation in STEM, public reactions to scientific endeavors, and practical dietary choices that fit modern Thai lifestyles.

A recent trend is taking over social media and grocery aisles alike: people are swapping their protein bars for chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, more commonly known as parmesan, claiming it’s a tastier and equally potent protein source. Videos on TikTok show users biting into whole wedges of the iconic Italian cheese, touting its high protein content as a reason for this unconventional snack swap. But does this culinary classic hold up under nutritional scrutiny, especially for Thai readers seeking healthy, practical snack alternatives?