Nutrition

A recent article by Kelsey Kunik, RDN, emphasizes the numerous health advantages of integrating black pepper into daily meals, highlighting its active compound, piperine, as a key ingredient that contributes to several health benefits. Known as the “king of spices,” black pepper is celebrated for more than just its flavor-enhancing properties—it may play a vital role in supporting various aspects of health, from cholesterol management to inflammation reduction.

Research has shown that piperine, found in black pepper, can significantly improve cardiovascular health by boosting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This dual action is crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Moreover, when combined with certain foods like green tea and cinnamon, black pepper may amplify their cholesterol-lowering effects.

At one time or another, many of us have opened our refrigerator to face a carton of eggs lingering beyond its expiration date and wondered, “Are these safe to eat?” According to recent insights from food safety experts, eggs might be safe well beyond their stamped expiration dates. As explained by Elisa Maloberti, manager of special projects and food safety at the American Egg Board, eggs, when stored properly, can last more than a month past their expiration.

World Health Day on April 7, 2025, highlights the path to lifelong health through early childhood nutrition under the theme “My Health, My Right.” The focus is on equitable access to essential healthcare and nourishment for every child, regardless of family income. Good nutrition in a child’s first years significantly shapes growth, immunity, and cognitive development, influencing health well into adulthood.

Nutrition in the early years is a keystone of well-being. In the first five years, the brain develops rapidly, making balanced intake of key nutrients crucial. A senior pediatric specialist notes that poor nutrition can cause stunted growth and slower cognitive development, increasing the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Recent research highlights the significant benefits of combining magnesium with several key supplements to enhance overall health and wellness. This strategy not only improves magnesium absorption but also supports muscle function, reduces stress, and boosts general fitness, making health regimens more comprehensive and efficient.

Why This Matters to Thai Readers

In Thailand, where traditional health practices often meet modern medicine, understanding the synergistic effects of supplements is increasingly relevant. This knowledge can empower Thai consumers to make informed decisions in a rapidly growing wellness market, which aligns with their holistic approach to health.

New research highlights how pairing magnesium with certain supplements can boost absorption, support muscle function, reduce stress, and enhance overall fitness. This approach can make health routines more effective and streamlined for busy readers.

In Thailand, where traditional wellness practices blend with modern medicine, understanding supplement synergies is especially relevant. Thai consumers are increasingly seeking evidence-based guidance to navigate a rapidly growing wellness market, while keeping holistic health values in mind.

Constipation is a discomfort that many individuals globally encounter, manifesting as an occasional inconvenience or a persistent challenge. It’s no surprise, then, that finding effective relief is a shared priority. Recent insights from gastroenterologist Sandhya Shukla, M.D., highlight five potential remedies accessible through dietary supplements and everyday foods, offering new hope and strategies for those dealing with constipation.

Constipation affects around 16% of adults in the United States, illustrating its commonality and impact on daily life. This gastrointestinal issue can often lead to bloating, discomfort, and frustration. For many Thai readers, this might resonate closely given the noticeable dietary and lifestyle shifts toward more Western habits in urban areas like Bangkok. Specifically, these five supplements are now highlighted for their potential to alleviate constipation effectively: psyllium husk, specific strains of probiotics, magnesium oxide, polyethylene glycol, and, interestingly, prunes or prune juice.

A rising global issue is not just about the United States—it touches households everywhere, including Thailand. Many people consume far less omega-3 fatty acids than recommended, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and inflammation control. Data from international health research shows that a large portion of children and adults do not meet advised intake levels, signaling a need for dietary awareness across cultures.

For Thai readers, omega-3s matter because they support cellular function and overall well-being. The three main types—alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—each contribute to skin health, heart health, and brain performance. Nutrition experts emphasize their anti-inflammatory properties and potential protective effects against several conditions. In short, these fats are building blocks for a healthy body.

In an era where protein intake is often heralded as the cornerstone of a healthy diet, a recent examination of the burgeoning industry of protein-enhanced foods poses critical questions about their actual health benefits. The lure of protein-packed yoghurts, pizzas, and even beverages is increasingly dominating fitness advice, drawing attention due to their perceived health advantages. However, a deeper dive into the science behind these products reveals a more nuanced reality.

In today’s fast-paced environment, meal timing can influence energy, digestion, and overall health. Experts now suggest a practical window for waiting between meals. This guidance, discussed with leading nutritionists, highlights the health benefits of regular meal intervals and mindful snacking.

Thai readers will relate to this topic as eating patterns shift with urban living. Traditional Thai meals—such as rice-based breakfasts and dinners—often align with daylight, but modern schedules can disrupt these rhythms. Understanding an optimal gap between meals helps people adapt to busy lifestyles without sacrificing nutrition or social routines.

A fresh look at the protein-enhanced foods boom raises questions about whether these products truly improve health. Yogurts, pizzas, and beverages marketed as protein-rich are popular in fitness circles, but the science behind them is more nuanced than hype.

Protein remains essential for preserving muscle and supporting immune function. Current guidelines suggest about 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, while some research indicates a higher range—roughly 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg—for individuals recovering from illness, older adults facing muscle loss, or athletes in intense training. This broader target aligns with average Western protein intake, challenging influencer narratives that promote intakes of up to 3 g/kg.

A wellness boom has made dietary supplements widely popular, but a cautionary story highlights why moderation matters. An in-depth piece shares a personal journey of illness worsened by daily use of more than 20 supplements, underscoring the importance of informed decisions about supplement use. For Thai readers, the message resonates amid growing health awareness and a thriving supplement market in Thailand.

In Thailand, rising health consciousness mirrors global trends: many people seek preventive care through vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Experts note that while supplements can fill dietary gaps, excessive intake can trigger serious health problems. For instance, certain supplements can interact with prescribed medications or aggravate existing conditions. Public health professionals emphasize that supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet, and medical guidance is crucial when starting or stopping any regimen.

In a climate where vitamin supplements saturate the market, an American physician’s advice could significantly influence consumer choices, including those in Thailand. Dr. Jaban Moore, a Kansas City-based functional medicine doctor, has highlighted potential adverse effects of specific synthetic vitamins and minerals and recommended more natural, bioavailable alternatives for maintaining optimal health.

Dr. Moore, whose holistic approach to health has gathered him a substantial social media following, suggests steering clear of certain widely-used supplements. In a compelling video, he warns against synthetic vitamin B12, magnesium oxide or citrate, and ferrous sulfate—suggesting that these compounds may pose health risks due to poor absorption and possible side effects, such as digestive distress and other systemic reactions.

Many households sometimes find eggs past their stamped date and wonder if they’re still safe. Food safety professionals now suggest that properly stored eggs can remain safe to eat well beyond expiration labels.

Egg cartons use various dates like Sell By, Use By, Exp. By, or Best By. These mainly guide retailers. Experts say eggs can stay safe for two to three weeks past these dates when kept refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. For eggs graded by the Department of Agriculture, a Julian date shows the packing day and helps consumers gauge freshness beyond typical dates.

Constipation affects many people and can disrupt daily life. Recent guidance from a gastroenterology expert highlights five accessible remedies, spanning dietary supplements and everyday foods, that may help relieve symptoms for adults in Thai communities navigating changing diets and busy urban living.

About 16% of adults in the United States experience constipation, a statistic that underscores its pervasiveness. In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and Western-influenced diets are common in cities like Bangkok, similar concerns are increasingly relevant. The five remedies highlighted include psyllium husk, select probiotic strains, magnesium oxide, polyethylene glycol, and prunes or prune juice.

A growing vitamin-supplement market prompts careful choices, and new guidance from an American doctor could shape decisions in Thailand as well. Dr. Jaban Moore, a Kansas City‑based functional medicine physician, cautions about certain synthetic vitamins and minerals and advocates for more natural, better-absorbed options to support overall health.

Dr. Moore’s approach emphasizes reducing reliance on some widely used supplements. In a recent video, he highlights concerns with synthetic forms such as certain B12 variants, magnesium oxide or citrate, and ferrous sulfate. He argues these forms can be less easily absorbed and may cause digestive or other system-wide side effects, suggesting alternatives with stronger bioavailability.

In a world increasingly overwhelmed by wellness trends, dietary supplements have rapidly gained popularity with their promises of enhanced health and vitality. However, a recent article by Alice Levitt on AOL unveils a cautionary tale about taking excessive supplements that resonates globally, including in Thailand. The piece recounts Levitt’s personal journey through illness exacerbated by consuming over 20 supplements daily, highlighting the critical need for awareness around the safe use of dietary supplements.

A recent article from USA Today highlights a nutritional issue that is not just limited to the United States: the insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are crucial for maintaining various aspects of health, including heart function, cognitive health, and reducing inflammation. However, research indicates that more than 95% of American children and roughly two-thirds of adults are consuming less than the recommended amounts. This dietary gap is not unique to the U.S., and it could have significant implications for Thailand as well.

On this World Health Day, April 7, 2025, attention turns to the fundamental role of early childhood nutrition in lifelong health, harmonizing with this year’s theme “My Health, My Right.” As health disparities persist globally, this theme champions equitable access to vital healthcare services regardless of socioeconomic status. Central to this discussion is the nutritional care during a child’s initial years—a pivotal factor in shaping health outcomes far beyond early development stages.

In the quest for adequate daily vitamin intake, consumers increasingly turn to gummy vitamins, touted as a convenient and palatable alternative to traditional vitamin pills. This trend highlights a multibillion-dollar industry eager to make vitamin consumption easier for adults and children alike. Recently, Shyla Davis-Cadogan, a registered dietitian at the Virtual Nutrition Service Culina Health, discussed this topic in detail, shedding light on the comparative efficacy of gummy vitamins versus traditional tablets.

As Thailand’s residents embrace the beauty of the Lueang Dao (ดอกไม้แรกแย้ม) in full bloom this spring, the season also brings allergies that can affect eye health. It’s crucial to pay attention to essential vitamins and minerals that can bolster your eyesight and protect against common springtime irritants. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, play a significant role in supporting vision and counteracting the effects of allergies Times of India.

A renewed debate over dairy fat in school meals is unfolding in the United States, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promotes reintroducing whole milk into school lunch programs. The move challenges decades of policy favoring skim or low-fat milk and echoes a broader discussion about child nutrition that has persisted since the Obama-era standards.

Senator John Fetterman has joined the effort, arguing that children need wholesome, nourishing food to perform well in class and activities. Kennedy has called current federal guidelines for low-fat milk “antiquated,” urging policymakers to consider full-fat options, particularly for younger children enrolled in Head Start and similar programs.

If you are consuming the typical modern diet, it’s likely you’re missing essential nutrients crucial for maintaining your health. Recent research highlights a growing concern over the underconsumption of certain key nutrients, notably fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, classified as “nutrients of public health concern” due to their significant impact on health outcomes. This trend, largely fueled by an increase in processed foods and a decline in fruit and vegetable intake, carries implications for the Thai population, particularly as global dietary patterns continue to shift.

In Thai kitchens, black pepper is a common companion that adds warmth to many dishes. New research now suggests its benefits go beyond flavor, with regular, moderate use linked to several health advantages.

Black pepper shines not with calories but with antioxidants and piperine, a potent plant compound. Studies associate piperine with improved cholesterol balance, reduced inflammation, steadier blood sugar, and better digestion. For Thailand’s health landscape, these effects could support heart health and metabolic well-being.

Spring in Thailand brings the beauty of blooming flowers and higher pollen levels that can irritate the eyes. A careful mix of nutrients and simple hygiene steps can protect vision during allergy season. Essential vitamins and minerals—vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids—support eye health and help counteract springtime irritants.

Pollen and dust can cause red, tired eyes. Practical steps matter: wear sunglasses outdoors, wash hands and eyes regularly, and improve indoor air quality with a purifier. Diet also plays a role. Vitamin A supports tear production and keeps the eye’s tear film healthy, with carrots and squash as good sources. Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels in the eye and reduces oxidative stress; citrus fruits are a convenient option. A long-term study indicates increased vitamin C intake may lower cataract risk.