Nutrition

A new study using data from the US NHANES dataset suggests that restricting carbohydrates may lead to gaps in essential vitamins and minerals. The findings highlight the importance of nutritional completeness, especially as Thai interest in Western and trendy diets grows amid rising obesity concerns. Research from leading nutrition journals emphasizes balancing meals rather than chasing rapid weight loss.

In Thailand, low-carb plans—often labeled keto or Atkins—have gained traction with promises of quick results. Public perception still often blames carbohydrates for weight gain, though experts underscore that total calorie intake matters more than any single macronutrient. When calories are matched, low-carb approaches do not consistently outperform balanced diets in the long term. This nuance matters for Thai readers who navigate rice-centric meals and evolving diet fads.

A new NHS emphasis on reducing saturated fat to lower cholesterol offers a clear, actionable path for Thai readers facing rising cholesterol-related health risks. While the NHS identifies cutting saturated fat as the single most impactful dietary change, the message resonates beyond the UK, offering a practical roadmap for healthier living in Thailand as urban diets and lifestyles shift.

Cholesterol is essential for your body, supporting the brain, nerves, and skin. But there are two types: HDL, the “good” cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from arteries, and LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, which can accumulate in artery walls and raise heart disease and stroke risk. In Thailand, genetics play a role, but lifestyle factors—diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol—are powerful drivers of cholesterol imbalances. As urbanization and Westernized eating spread, these patterns are increasingly seen nationwide, making cholesterol management a local priority.

Protein has become the defining macronutrient of our era. In the United States and beyond, many people are increasing protein intake as part of everyday eating. Recent findings from a leading protein market study show that more than six in ten Americans actively boosted their protein consumption in 2024, up from about half in 2019. Supermarkets now feature protein-forward snacks, beverages, and desserts, while brands and social media amplify bold claims about high-protein diets. Nutrition experts warn that misconceptions and potential health risks can accompany this trend, underscoring the need for balanced guidance.

As Easter season draws crowds to chocolate aisles and Thai shoppers reach for imported indulgences, many wonder: is dark chocolate truly a healthier choice, or another sweet myth? The answer paints a nuanced portrait of Thailand’s growing appetite for cocoa—balancing pleasure, health, and tradition in a global context.

With the British Retail Consortium reporting some 80 million Easter eggs sold annually in the UK alone, questions about chocolate’s health effects surge each April. But the issue isn’t just seasonal—it’s increasingly relevant in Thailand, where chocolate consumption is rising and premium dark chocolate is taking center stage. According to Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a UK-based dietitian interviewed in The Times’ recent analysis, “Dark chocolate can be a nutritious addition to the diet in moderation. It contains polyphenols, especially flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been linked to benefits such as improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and potentially improved heart heath” (original article, The Times, 2025-04-19).

A new health buzz surrounds a so-called “wonder supplement” that tabloids claim could prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. While international outlets spark curiosity, Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based view on whether this hype translates to real-world benefits.

Media caution is warranted. A recent headline from a prominent U.S. outlet highlights a dietary compound supposedly delivering triple benefits, but experts stress that such bold claims require long-term human trials to confirm real-world effectiveness. The World Health Organization also emphasizes diet and lifestyle as the foundation of disease prevention, rather than relying on a single supplement.

A new wave of global research points to a simple, powerful idea: the foods you choose every day can shape how long you live and how well you age. For Thai readers navigating fast food and sugary drinks, this guidance offers practical, culturally familiar steps toward healthier aging.

Interest in health span — the years lived in good health — is rising worldwide, including in Thailand with its aging population and increasing chronic diseases. Studies highlight that plant-rich, minimally processed diets support longer, healthier lives. Research looking at regions famous for longevity, sometimes called Blue Zones, emphasizes how everyday foods help people thrive into old age.

If you dream of blowing out 100 candles on your birthday cake, you may want to take a closer look at what’s on your plate. New research and expert consensus are converging on a remarkably simple yet powerful message: the foods you choose each day can have a profound impact on not just how long you live, but how well you age. For Thai readers navigating the abundance of modern (and often unhealthy) food choices, these findings offer both a wake-up call and practical guidance.

A recent scientific study suggests that taking just a single dose of ashwagandha, a traditional herbal remedy used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, could offer a noticeable enhancement to cognitive performance and mood—effects visible as quickly as one hour after ingestion and consistent over a month of supplementation. These promising findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, have stirred significant interest among health-conscious Thais and supplement enthusiasts worldwide (PsyPost).

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, has long been revered as a tonic in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health and wellness. Known in Thai as สมุนไพรอาชวกันดา and sometimes called “Indian ginseng,” ashwagandha is botanically unrelated to ginseng but is valued for its ability to bolster resilience and manage stress, or adaptogenic properties. Its root and, less commonly, the leaves, are the primary sources of medicinal extract, used both in traditional herbal preparations and in modern dietary supplements, readily available in Thailand’s health stores and pharmacies.

A new study suggests that a single dose of ashwagandha, a traditional herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, could enhance cognitive performance and mood within an hour, with effects lasting after a month of use. The findings, published in Nutrients, have sparked interest among health-conscious Thai readers and supplement enthusiasts. Research by a team led by Megan Leonard tested a liposomal form designed to maximize absorption, reflecting a growing Thai market for scientifically backed herbal products.

A new wave of health buzz surrounds a so-called “wonder supplement” that, according to recent headlines, might prevent cancer, boost heart health, and slow skin aging. With claims making the rounds in international media, including the New York Post, Thai health enthusiasts are keen to know: Does this supplement live up to the hype – and should it be part of everyday wellness here in Thailand?

The recent New York Post article, “The wonder supplement you’ve never heard of prevents cancer, makes your heart healthier and slows skin aging” (source), shines a spotlight on a dietary compound that supposedly delivers a triple health benefit. While the article stops short of naming the supplement in its headline and lead (pending full content access), such bold claims inevitably spark debate among health professionals and everyday consumers alike. For Thai audiences accustomed to a surge of imported wellness trends—ranging from collagen powders to herbal extracts—skepticism and curiosity go hand-in-hand.

A small everyday addition could sharpen the mind from morning light to evening fatigue. New research from the University of Reading suggests that including a handful of walnuts in a breakfast can measurably enhance mental performance across the day. The study, published in Food & Function, followed 32 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 who ate a walnut-rich breakfast on some days and a calorie-matched, nut-free breakfast on others. Over six hours, participants underwent cognitive testing and brain activity measurements, revealing meaningful differences in performance.

A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that designating one day per week as carb-free could trigger fat burning on par with intermittent fasting. This approach may offer a practical alternative for people who find strict dieting or regular fasting difficult, with potential relevance for Thai readers seeking sustainable ways to improve health without major daily diet changes.

Interest in intermittent fasting has grown in Thailand due to social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and personal testimonials. Many people struggle with hunger, social meal timing, and the restrictions such regimes impose. The Surrey study therefore presents an approachable option: a single carb-free day each week can prompt a metabolic shift toward fat oxidation, similar to what fasting protocols achieve.

Could the humble walnut hold the secret to keeping your mind sharp from breakfast until dusk? Recent findings by researchers at the University of Reading strongly suggest so, with evidence now showing that simply adding a handful of walnuts to your morning meal can measurably improve mental performance throughout the day. The study, published in the scientific journal Food & Function and widely reported by reputable news outlets including The Independent (source: The Independent), tracked 32 healthy young adults, aged 18 to 30, who consumed either a walnut-rich breakfast or a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts on different occasions. Their subsequent six hours were filled with cognitive testing and brain activity measurements—yielding results with significant implications for anyone seeking a mental edge in daily life.

Many Thais concerned about health know that dietary fiber, or ใยอาหาร (yai a-han), is essential for digestive well-being and heart health. Yet, despite best efforts to boost fiber, recent research published by SELF magazine reveals that some foods we assume are fiber powerhouses might not be delivering as much as we think. This matters not only for global health but also for millions of Thais who carefully build their meals around “healthy” whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—sometimes underestimating how much fiber they are actually consuming.

A recently spotlighted dietary supplement is drawing attention in health circles, with US media touting its potential to prevent cancer, support heart health, and slow skin aging. While headlines label it a “wonder supplement,” Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based look at what science actually supports and what remains uncertain. As more Thais seek natural ways to protect long-term health, understanding the real science behind such claims is essential.

The discussion around this supplement mirrors a global fascination with nutraceuticals that promise wide-ranging benefits. In Thailand, rising life expectancy and increasing chronic disease rates have boosted supplement use. The country now hosts a multibillion-baht wellness market, reflecting a strong desire to prevent non-communicable diseases and maintain vitality through natural products.

Thai consumers have been swept up in the growing craze for collagen supplements, drawn by alluring promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and pain-free joints. But with social media influencers, celebrities, and supplement brands all fueling the trend, how much of the hype is actually backed by solid scientific evidence? Recent international research and expert commentary provide a clearer picture of what collagen supplements can—and can’t—do for your health, with important implications for Thai readers considering adding collagen to their daily routines.

Thai consumers are embracing collagen supplements with promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and relief from joint pain. With influencers, celebrities, and brands fueling the trend, what does the science actually say? Experts and recent research offer a clearer view for Thai readers considering collagen as part of daily wellness.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, forming the scaffolding that keeps skin elastic and joints strong. As we age, natural collagen production declines, contributing to wrinkles and stiffness. This has driven a booming market for collagen powders, capsules, and drinks—now widely available in Bangkok’s pharmacies and online marketplaces. Yet the abundance of options makes it essential to distinguish marketing from evidence-based science.

Many Thais recognize that ใยอาหาร (yai a-han) is key for digestion and heart health. Yet new findings suggest some foods we assume are fiber powerhouses may deliver far less than expected. This matters for millions of Thai households that plan meals around whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes overestimating how much fiber they actually consume.

Fiber does more than keep digestion regular. Nutrition experts explain that high-fiber foods promote fullness, support gut health, lower bad cholesterol, and protect the heart. The U.S. daily recommendations are 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, and many adults in Thailand and beyond fall short. That shortfall is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, constipation, obesity, and diabetes. The Thai diet—rich in rice and vegetables—often gives the impression of ample fiber, but recent insights show that not all wholesome-looking foods contribute equally.

A newly highlighted dietary supplement is making waves in the health community after US media reports touted its potential to prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. Reported by the New York Post as the “wonder supplement you’ve never heard of,” this compound is rapidly gaining traction, raising questions around its scientific basis, practical benefits, and implications for a health-conscious Thai public. As more consumers seek accessible, natural ways to bolster long-term health, understanding the actual science behind such claims is essential.

France’s top food safety agency, ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail), has sent shockwaves through the international nutrition community with its latest recommendation: soy-based foods should be banned from all public mass catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. This call, issued in March 2025, has ignited global debate over the safety of soy products—a topic relevant to Thailand as plant-based menus become increasingly popular in schools and health-conscious households.

A French health agency has sparked a global conversation about soy in public catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. In March 2025, ANSES emphasized caution around high-intensity soy consumption, focusing on isoflavones, the plant compounds that can act like estrogen in the body. The agency warned that excessive intake could influence hormone balance and potentially affect children’s development if exposure is prolonged. Thai readers should note the emphasis on balanced nutrition and moderation as schools increasingly explore plant-based proteins.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey has found that simply cutting out carbohydrates for one day each week could stimulate the body to burn fat just as effectively as intermittent fasting—a popular but challenging weight loss strategy. The new findings suggest an accessible alternative for those reluctant to embrace severe calorie restriction or complicated fasting patterns, opening new doors for individuals in Thailand and elsewhere aiming to improve health without radically altering their daily diets (GB News).

A recent study from the University of Reading has brought a simple but impactful message to breakfast tables around the world, including Thailand: adding just a handful of walnuts to your morning meal could significantly enhance your brain function throughout the day. This research, published in the journal Food & Function, found that young adults who consumed 50 grams of walnuts with their muesli and yoghurt at breakfast enjoyed faster reaction times and improved memory performance, but with interesting timing differences—memory benefits were especially notable later in the day compared to those who ate a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts (The Independent, University of Reading, Sci.News).

A trip to the supermarket these days is as much a marketing battleground as a chance to stock up on groceries. With promises like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” and “low-carb” splashed across everything from yogurt to granola bars, health-conscious Thai shoppers may feel reassured about their food choices. But new research and mounting global scrutiny reveal that these claims are often more about sales than substance—prompting both consumers and regulators to rethink how healthy our processed foods really are (Yahoo Lifestyle, 2025).