#Cuisine

A growing body of science suggests that small dietary adjustments can ease the body’s stress signals, a finding that resonates with many Thais juggling work, traffic, and city life. Nutritionists point to accessible foods that may help lower cortisol—the hormone linked to stress—and support overall wellbeing. This aligns with a broader movement recognizing food choices as a key element in managing stress.

Cortisol plays a central role in the body’s stress response. It supports memory, metabolism, and the fight-or-flight reaction, produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the body’s complex systems. But chronic stress—from long work hours to financial pressures and urban pollution—can keep cortisol high. Continuous elevation has been linked to headaches, digestive disturbances, sleep issues, and weakened immunity, according to medical authorities.

A recent feature in a Denver newspaper spotlights a health-friendly breakfast option that fits vegan and gluten-free lifestyles. The writer shares her journey after a 2022 celiac disease diagnosis and her discovery of a specially crafted vegan, gluten-free breakfast sandwich. The piece highlights a Denver restaurant, Vital Root, known for vegan-friendly and gluten-conscious cuisine and its inventive offerings.

For Thai readers facing similar dietary challenges, the story carries broader meaning. It’s about more than a meal that fits restricted diets; it’s about finding joy and normalcy in daily eating. The sandwich includes lemongrass-marinated tofu, vegan cheese, seaweed “bacon,” and a gluten-free bun, illustrating how taste and health can align while honoring personal and cultural food preferences.

A sweeping, three-decade study suggests plant-forward diets may extend the years lived free of major chronic diseases. Over 105,000 middle-aged health professionals in the United States were followed for 30 years. The findings, published in a leading medical journal, indicate that diets rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed items were associated with a higher likelihood of reaching age 70 without chronic illness. Only about 9 in 100 participants achieved this milestone, highlighting the potential impact of midlife food choices.