Nutrition

A new study published in the journal Obesity Science and Practice suggests that increasing protein and fiber intake, alongside moderate calorie restriction, may be the most effective combination for weight loss—a message with particular relevance for health-conscious Thais seeking balanced approaches to managing their weight. Conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the study offers concrete recommendations on how much protein and fiber to consume for maximum results, adding much-needed clarity to a field often clouded by contradictory diet advice (AOL News).

A new wave of research and expert-backed advice is making heart-healthy eating more accessible—and delicious—than ever for busy families, with a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the benefits of home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals. As highlighted in the recently published article, “Quick Heart-Healthy Dinners the Whole Family Will Love (Weekly Plan & Shopping List!)” from EatingWell, simple weeknight dinners built around fresh vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can meaningfully reduce the risk of heart disease for all ages (EatingWell).

A global debate over seed oils is reaching Thai kitchens as health advocates, food producers, and researchers weigh the risks and benefits of common cooking oils. The campaign to reduce certain seed oils—such as soybean, corn, sunflower, canola, and cottonseed oils—has sparked questions about heart health and chronic disease, with supporters arguing for traditional, less processed fats and critics urging balanced, evidence-based guidelines.

The discussion mirrors a worldwide shift in nutrition advice. As Western-style eating patterns seep into Thailand through convenient fast foods and ready meals, medical professionals in Thailand are examining whether Thais should rethink everyday oil choices. The central concern cited by some critics focuses on high omega-6 fatty acids in many seed oils, which they say could promote inflammation and contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Data from Thailand’s public health authorities align with broader concerns about non-communicable diseases in the country.

A major rift in health science has emerged as Dr. Kevin Hall of the U.S. National Institutes of Health announces early retirement, citing censorship and political interference as the driving forces behind his decision. The move has shocked the global nutrition community and rekindled concerns about politicization in science, a development with wide implications for how Thailand confronts obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and ultraprocessed foods.

Dr. Hall is renowned for pioneering work on ultraprocessed foods—packaged snacks, instant noodles, and factory-made baked goods—that dominate modern diets in the United States and Thailand. His landmark trials demonstrated that ultraprocessed foods tend to increase calorie intake and promote weight gain compared with minimally processed meals, raising risks for obesity and diabetes. As a leading NIH figure, his departure raises questions about the resilience of independent, data-driven science in ongoing nutrition policy debates worldwide. The implications are being felt across research communities and health agencies in Thailand and beyond.

Thailand’s growing health-conscious culture meets a fast-paced urban life. Protein bars have become a common grab-and-go option for office workers, fitness enthusiasts, and students. Yet daily consumption invites questions: are protein bars a healthy habit for Thai readers, or do they carry risks? Nutrition experts and recent studies offer guidance to help readers navigate an increasingly processed food landscape.

Protein bars promise quick protein on a busy schedule. They travel well, require no prep, and can bridge gaps between meals during long BTS commutes or after a Muay Thai session. Yet not all bars are created equal. In Thailand’s market, which is expanding at a strong pace, some products pack high sugar, artificial sweeteners, and low-quality protein sources, underscoring the need for careful selection.

As Thailand’s health-conscious population continues to grow and busy city life keeps people on the move, it’s no surprise that protein bars have become a popular grab-and-go snack for office workers, fitness enthusiasts, and students alike. But with eye-catching promises on every wrapper, is eating a protein bar daily actually a healthy habit, or does it risk doing more harm than good? Recent research and insights from nutrition experts provide important answers, helping everyday Thai consumers make smarter food choices in an increasingly processed world.

A growing body of evidence shows that home-cooked, nutrient-rich dinners can protect heart health without added stress for busy families. Recent coverage highlights that weeknight meals built around vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can lower cardiovascular risk across ages.

This message is timely for Thai families facing time constraints, diverse dietary needs, and rising rates of non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization notes cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, including in Thailand, where diets high in ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles contribute to heart problems. The takeaway is clear: what you serve at dinner every night can influence long-term heart health.

As Thailand embraces diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and sugar-free treats, many shoppers look for healthier ways to enjoy sweetness. New science, however, is challenging the assumption that artificial sweeteners are harmless or reliably beneficial. Emerging research suggests these substitutes may carry their own health risks, such as influencing appetite, fat storage, and metabolic health. A recent international examination highlights these concerns and is echoed by ongoing studies around the world.

A new wave of scrutiny surrounds PrimeBiome, a widely marketed probiotic, as a 2025 analysis synthesizes thousands of user experiences to assess real-world efficacy and safety. The investigation, highlighted in a GlobeNewswire report, aims to illuminate how consumer expectations align with product claims and what this means for Thailand’s growing wellness market. In Thailand, interest in probiotics has surged as people seek digestive comfort and overall wellbeing, but gaps in regulation and transparency can mislead shoppers. The study’s approach—evaluating verified user testimonials—offers practical insights into daily use and potential adverse effects.

A recent pair of global stories highlights themes that resonate in Thailand: the rise of women in STEM and practical, nutrition-forward choices for busy lives. An all-female Blue Origin crew faced public scrutiny over their spaceflight, while nutrition experts highlighted nuts as a high-protein option. Both narratives offer lessons for Thai audiences about representation, public dialogue, and everyday health decisions.

The Blue Origin mission showcased celebrities such as Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez, underscoring a push for greater female visibility in space exploration. Critics on social media questioned the value and cost of the journey. Sanchez responded firmly, emphasizing that the voyage should be celebrated rather than dismissed. This moment mirrors Thailand’s own ambitions in space science, where agencies like GISTDA are expanding capabilities and more Thai women enter STEM fields. Government plans to invest in satellite technology and future astronaut selection keep this conversation timely, reminding Thai readers that international milestones can inspire local progress.

A major new review suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not meaningfully reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections, including common colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia, for the general population. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology study, summarized by health outlets worldwide, analyzed data from 46 randomized trials with more than 64,000 participants. The findings challenge long-standing beliefs that extra vitamin D boosts immunity against respiratory illnesses, a consideration many Thai families have weighed during the rainy season when such illnesses rise.

Could a daily square of dark chocolate actually boost health for Thais? Growing evidence suggests that dark chocolate, with high cacao content, offers more health benefits than its sweeter milk chocolate cousins. This is timely as Songkran celebrations often mean more festive treats; understanding the science helps Thai readers make informed choices.

Dark chocolate’s appeal lies in its cacao concentration, typically 50 to 90 percent, far higher than milk chocolate. This density brings more flavanols, a class of antioxidants linked to heart health, brain function, and mood. Nutrition researchers note that these compounds contribute to the characteristic bitter, earthy flavor while delivering tangible benefits. The latest reviews reinforce the idea that not all chocolate is equal when it comes to health impact.

Could enjoying a square of dark chocolate each day actually be good for you, khon Thai? In recent years, research has shifted the way we think about this rich treat, suggesting that dark chocolate—not its sweeter, milkier cousins—may deliver serious health benefits, thanks to its high cacao content and unique compounds. With the Songkran holiday and an uptick in sweet indulgences, it’s the perfect time to digest the latest scientific findings and see what they mean for health-conscious Thais.

New research helps explain why saying no to junk food is so hard, even when we know better. Scientists are finding that memories of fatty and sugary foods are stored in the brain’s hippocampus, strengthening cravings that are tough to ignore. This insight, summarized by National Geographic and supported by major research institutions, offers a clearer view of snack-time temptations for Thai readers and practical steps for healthier choices.

Cravings for junk food come from more than taste or clever marketing. The latest findings reveal that the brain creates rewarding memories of convenient fast foods, linking them to places, people, and moments. In Thailand, urban life and late-night convenience stores expose people to a wide range of processed snacks such as spicy crackers, instant noodles, and sugary drinks. With rising obesity and diabetes, understanding these brain-based triggers is essential for public health.

A fresh wave of research and expert analysis confirms what nutritionists have long maintained—there’s no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs, regardless of price or popular perception. As consumers in Thailand and around the world reach for brown eggs, often convinced they’re making a healthier choice, leading scientists and poultry specialists want to set the record straight: the color of an eggshell tells you more about the hen’s genetics than the egg’s nutrients or health benefits, as highlighted in a recent report from Slate and backed by research from sources such as Healthline and the USDA (Slate, Healthline, USDA).

As Thai shoppers increasingly seek premium, high-cocoa chocolates, questions about health benefits and safety remain front and center. The debate reflects a broader global interest in how cocoa can fit into a balanced lifestyle without compromising taste or tradition.

Thailand’s rising appetite for dark chocolate aligns with global research trends. Recent analyses suggest that dark chocolate with high cocoa content can offer health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. A UK dietitian notes that dark chocolate contains polyphenols, especially flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In small amounts, these compounds may support better blood flow and heart health. For Thai readers, this adds to the conversation about using food choices to balance risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Recent research consolidates a long-standing finding: there is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. The color of the shell reflects the hen’s genetics, not the egg’s nutrients or health benefits. Thai shoppers, like consumers worldwide, should focus on freshness and farming practices rather than shell color when choosing eggs. This perspective aligns with analyses from health experts and poultry scientists and is supported by researchers at institutions around the world, including findings summarized by health media and agricultural science reviews.

A little-known dietary supplement is drawing serious attention in the medical community for claims it can slow aging, protect the heart, and support cancer prevention. In Thailand, where health-awareness runs high among Bangkok shoppers and LINE group chats buzz with wellness news, GliSODin could become another widely discussed option. Here’s what Thai readers should know about this product, its origins, and what it may mean for aging and health.

A Toronto-based plastic surgeon who serves on the GliSODin board of directors has endorsed the supplement for its potential to target root causes of disease. He explains that GliSODin reduces oxidative stress, a factor linked to many chronic conditions including heart disease and cognitive decline. The key enzyme at the heart of GliSODin is superoxide dismutase (SOD), a natural antioxidant found in vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage but present in small amounts and not easily absorbed when eaten. GliSODin delivers SOD alongside gliadin, a gluten component that helps the enzyme survive digestion and improve absorption in the gut.

A seemingly obscure dietary supplement, GliSODin, is gaining attention in the medical community for its reported ability to slow aging, protect the heart, and even help prevent cancer, according to a recent feature in the New York Post NY Post, 2025. While Thailand’s health-conscious public is no stranger to vitamin shops lining Siam Square or the latest superfood news ricocheting across LINE groups, GliSODin may be a new name poised to join the ranks of must-have supplements. Here’s why this novel product—derived from cantaloupe melon and wheat gliadin—has experts abuzz, and what it could mean for Thais watching their health as they age.

New scientific findings are shedding light on why saying “no” to junk food is so difficult—even when we know better. Recent research highlights how memories of fatty and sugary foods are actively stored in the brain’s hippocampus, creating deeply rooted cravings that are tough to resist, according to a summary by National Geographic and supported by studies from major research institutions (National Geographic; ScienceDaily). By understanding these mental food traps, Thai readers can better grasp the complex forces behind snack-time temptations and make smarter choices in everyday life.

A wave of recent research highlights the Mediterranean diet’s ability to support healthy blood sugar and reduce type 2 diabetes risk. Rooted in the cuisines of Greece, Italy, and the broader region, this eating pattern gains credibility from nutrition science and practical, easy-to-make meals. For Thais facing rising diabetes and metabolic syndrome, these findings offer actionable guidance that fits local tastes.

Diabetes is a growing concern in Thailand. Data from international health organizations show more than five million adults living with the condition, with metabolic syndrome on the rise. Shifting dietary patterns toward refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods—while traditional Thai dishes often emphasize plant-based staples—contribute to this trend. A sustainable, enjoyable, and evidence-based approach to eating is increasingly urgent for public health.

As low-carb diets remain a popular trend among weight-conscious Thais and people around the world, new research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has sounded a cautionary note: cutting carbohydrates may unexpectedly leave you short on several essential vitamins and minerals, with possible long-term health consequences for those who don’t carefully balance their menus (EatingWell). This fresh evidence urges the health-minded public to look past quick results and consider nutritional completeness, particularly as Thai society increasingly embraces Western and trendy diet patterns in the hopes of fighting the national rise in obesity.

A new wave of health recommendations by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has placed a clear spotlight on a single, critical diet change to tackle high cholesterol—a condition that remains a silent threat to millions worldwide, including a growing number of Thais. The NHS now identifies cutting down on foods high in saturated fat as the “number one” step to reduce high cholesterol, supported by extensive research and echoed by organizations like Heart UK. For readers in Thailand, where shifting diets and lifestyles have driven a sharp increase in cholesterol-related illnesses, these findings offer both a wake-up call and a practical roadmap to better heart health (Express).

Protein has become the star macronutrient of the decade, with consumers in the United States and beyond embracing protein-rich diets at record rates. According to Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, in the US, a staggering 61% of consumers report actively increasing their protein intake in 2024, a substantial jump from just 48% in 2019 (Cargill, 2025). Supermarkets now brim with protein-enriched snack bars, cookies, even sodas and ice creams, while food manufacturers and social media influencers stoke the frenzy with bold claims about the benefits of high-protein diets. But as this “protein obsession” becomes a global consumer trend—advanced by viral dieting advice and evolving food industry strategies—nutrition experts are raising the alarm, warning of misunderstandings and potential health risks surrounding excessive protein consumption (San Diego Union-Tribune, 2025).