#Diet

Emerging research from major population studies and brain autopsy investigations is revealing copper’s surprisingly critical role in cognitive function and energy production, with higher dietary intake associated with better test scores in older adults and increased brain copper levels linked to slower mental decline and reduced Alzheimer’s pathology. Recent analysis of over 2,400 American adults aged 60 and older found that those consuming more copper through diet scored significantly higher on processing speed, verbal fluency, and memory assessments, while separate neuropathological research examining brain tissue from deceased study participants discovered that higher copper concentrations in key brain regions correlated with slower cognitive deterioration and fewer signs of dementia-related damage. Clinical case reviews simultaneously highlight that copper deficiency, though relatively uncommon, can cause debilitating symptoms including persistent fatigue, numbness and tingling, balance problems, and anemia that mimics other conditions, making proper recognition essential for effective treatment. For Thai readers, these findings emphasize the importance of incorporating copper-rich foods naturally abundant in local cuisine—including seafood, nuts, seeds, and traditional soy products—while understanding that most healthy individuals can meet their needs through varied eating patterns without requiring supplements.

Nutrition experts are spotlighting six remarkable foods that deliver more fiber per serving than traditional black beans, offering Thai consumers powerful new tools for meeting daily fiber targets while addressing the kingdom’s widespread fiber deficiency crisis that contributes to rising cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive health problems. The comprehensive analysis reveals that chia seeds lead the fiber powerhouse list with nearly 10 grams per ounce, followed by whole avocados providing 9 grams of fiber along with heart-healthy fats, while cooked green peas, artichokes, raspberries, and lentils round out the selection with 7-9 grams each—all exceeding the 7.7 grams found in a half-cup of cooked black beans. These discoveries gain critical importance in Thailand, where multiple nutrition surveys document average fiber intakes well below recommended levels of 25-34 grams daily, contributing to the country’s escalating burden of lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Most significantly for Thai readers, large-scale meta-analyses demonstrate that each additional 7 grams of daily fiber consumption correlates with approximately 9% lower cardiovascular disease risk and measurable reductions in all-cause mortality, making these fiber-rich alternatives potentially life-saving additions to traditional Thai eating patterns.

A high-profile scientific study that linked heavy protein intake in middle age to higher cancer deaths has reawakened debate about popular high‑protein diets. Researchers who analysed a large US nutrition survey and ran complementary animal and cellular experiments reported that people aged about 50–65 who consumed a high proportion of calories from protein — particularly animal protein — had a markedly higher risk of dying from cancer over the following years, and that lower protein intake reduced levels of the growth factor IGF‑1 and slowed tumour growth in mice (Levine et al., 2014). At the same time, a more recent umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‑analyses (published in 2024) concluded that the overall human evidence linking total protein intake to cancer risk is limited and inconsistent, finding no clear association for several cancer types and rating the certainty of evidence as “possible” or “insufficient” for most outcomes (Kühn et al., 2024). For Thai readers weighing the claims, the picture is nuanced: biological mechanisms exist and animal experiments are persuasive, but human epidemiology is mixed — and source of protein (animal vs plant), age and health status matter. Below I unpack the findings, explain why results differ, give perspectives from the literature, and offer practical, Thailand‑relevant advice.

A roundup of 15 “oat-free” breakfast recipes published this week by EatingWell underscores a simple but important message reinforced by recent research: a heart-healthy morning meal does not have to be oatmeal — it needs protein, fiber, healthy fats and good portioning. The EatingWell list — from chia smoothies and cottage-cheese bowls to tofu scrambles and grain bowls — offers practical, flavor-forward options that mirror scientific findings showing that both the quality and the size of breakfast affect markers linked to heart disease such as waist circumference, triglycerides and HDL (“good”) cholesterol (EatingWell). New observational data from older adults at high cardiovascular risk suggest that breakfasts providing roughly 20–30% of daily energy and composed of nutritious ingredients are associated with better cardiometabolic trajectories over three years (J Nutr Health Aging study). For Thai readers, these findings point to ways to adapt familiar foods — from jok (rice porridge) to khao tom and whole-grain toast topped with local fruit — into morning meals that support long-term heart health.

A revolutionary scientific investigation has ignited fierce debate across Thailand’s health community after discovering that high-protein diets—especially those heavy in animal products—may dramatically increase cancer death rates among middle-aged adults while simultaneously offering protection for elderly populations. The comprehensive study, conducted by leading researchers who meticulously analyzed extensive US nutrition survey data alongside sophisticated animal and cellular experiments, revealed that Thai adults aged approximately 50-65 who consume diets where protein supplies 20% or more of their daily calories face over four times the risk of dying from cancer during an 18-year follow-up period compared to those maintaining lower protein intake levels. Most alarmingly for Thailand’s growing fitness culture, the research demonstrated that elevated protein consumption significantly increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a powerful biological catalyst that accelerated tumor development and growth in laboratory mice while lower protein intake dramatically reduced IGF-1 concentrations and slowed cancer progression. However, a comprehensive 2024 umbrella review analyzing hundreds of systematic studies and meta-analyses has reached strikingly different conclusions, finding that overall human evidence linking total protein consumption to cancer risk remains limited and inconsistent across multiple cancer types, with researchers rating the certainty of evidence as merely “possible” or “insufficient” for most health outcomes studied. For Thai families navigating conflicting health messages in Bangkok’s protein-obsessed gym culture and traditional food markets, this complex scientific landscape demands careful analysis that considers biological mechanisms alongside epidemiological evidence, protein sources (animal versus plant-based), individual age factors, and overall health status. This comprehensive analysis unpacks these critical findings, explains why research results vary so dramatically, provides expert perspectives from international literature, and offers practical, culturally appropriate guidance specifically tailored to Thai dietary traditions and contemporary health challenges.

A major scientific debate is unfolding in Thailand as researchers report age-dependent effects of high-protein diets. In middle-aged adults, diets with protein making up 20 percent or more of daily calories were linked to higher cancer mortality in an 18-year follow-up, while in older adults the pattern appeared opposite. The study combined US national nutrition data with animal and cellular experiments to explore biological mechanisms, notably the role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in tumor growth. Yet a 2024 umbrella review of hundreds of studies cautions that evidence linking total protein intake to cancer risk remains inconsistent across cancer types. This complexity calls for careful interpretation that connects biology with real-world eating patterns, protein sources, age, and overall health status—especially in Bangkok’s fast-changing food scene.

A comprehensive Mediterranean study shows heart health hinges on breakfast composition, not on specific foods like oats. Eating 20-30% of daily calories at breakfast with a focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fats led to slower weight gain, smaller waist increases, and better triglyceride and HDL cholesterol profiles over three years. The analysis followed 383 older adults at high cardiovascular risk and used a detailed Meal Balance Index to gauge breakfast quality. The findings suggest that quality breakfasts predict long-term heart outcomes better than simply eating or skipping in the morning, and they accommodate diverse cultural eating patterns.

A new analysis spotlights six surprisingly fiber-rich foods that can outperform traditional black beans per serving. For Thai readers, these findings offer practical options to close the nation’s fiber gap and combat rising lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders. Chia seeds top the list with about 9.8 grams of fiber per ounce, followed by whole avocados with 9 grams of fiber and heart-healthy fats. Cooked green peas, artichokes, raspberries, and lentils each provide roughly 7-9 grams per serving, exceeding the 7.7 grams found in a half-cup of cooked black beans. Thailand’s nutrition surveys show average fiber intake far below the recommended 25-34 grams daily, underscoring the potential impact of integrating these fiber-dense foods into everyday meals. In meta-analyses, each additional 7 grams of daily fiber is associated with about a 9% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and lower all-cause mortality, reinforcing the potential life-saving value of these options within traditional Thai eating patterns.

A cluster of recent reports and scientific papers has put a spotlight on copper, a micronutrient most people think about only in passing. New analyses of large US datasets suggest that modestly higher dietary copper is associated with better cognitive test scores in people aged 60 and over, while long‑running brain autopsy research links higher brain copper with slower cognitive decline and less Alzheimer’s pathology. At the same time, clinicians warn that true copper deficiency — while uncommon — can cause persistent fatigue, numbness and balance problems, and that certain patients (bariatric surgery, malabsorption, heavy zinc use) are at risk. For ordinary readers the takeaway is practical: most people can meet needs with a varied diet that includes shellfish, liver, nuts, seeds, tofu and whole grains, but anyone with unexplained fatigue or neurological symptoms should consult a doctor rather than self‑supplement. (Sources: Telegraph [news summary], Scientific Reports [NHANES analysis], NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, MAP autopsy study.) See links in the text for full sources.

A new consumer-friendly analysis from nutrition outlet EatingWell is putting familiar foods back in the fiber spotlight — and challenging the idea that beans are always the gold standard. The roundup identifies six everyday options that meet or beat beans on fiber per typical serving: chia seeds, avocados, green peas, artichokes, raspberries and lentils, with black beans used as a benchmark at about 7.7 grams per half cup cooked. For Thai readers, the timing is apt. Multiple studies show the average fiber intake in Thailand hovers far below recommended levels, a gap linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and gut problems. The good news: several of the listed foods are easy to source locally or swap with Thai equivalents, making it realistic to close the country’s “fiber gap” without overhauling traditional eating patterns.

A new study questions the idea that a glass of orange juice is a healthy morning staple. For Thai readers, the findings may influence breakfast habits and diabetes prevention strategies across the country.

The key point is striking: a 240-milliliter glass of orange juice commonly served in Thai buffets and hotels contains about 22-26 grams of sugar—roughly the same as a can of Coca‑Cola. With diabetes affecting millions and childhood obesity on the rise, this seemingly wholesome drink could play an unexpected role in Thailand’s metabolic health challenges.

A recent wave of scientific research and new regulatory efforts has reignited a heated debate about the sugar content of orange juice—how much is in your morning glass, and what does it mean for Thai health? Amid widespread perceptions that orange juice is a wholesome, vitamin-rich beverage, the reality is far more complex and comes at a crucial moment for consumers and the beverage industry globally.

Orange juice is a staple in breakfast tables worldwide, often praised for its high vitamin C and nutrient content. However, recent attention has focused on its sugar content, which, according to multiple nutrition experts, is similar to that in many soft drinks. For Thai readers, where rising rates of diabetes and metabolic disease are increasingly prevalent, this comparison is especially significant. Research published by public health authorities and leading nutrition organizations, including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has found that a standard 240 ml glass (about 1 cup) of 100% orange juice contains around 20–26 grams of sugar—, which have about 26–28 grams per serving. This similarity challenges the public perception that fruit juice is categorically healthier than soda.

As high-protein products continue to flood supermarket shelves and fitness trends extol the benefits of “bulking up,” a new article published in The Conversation challenges readers to reconsider their protein obsession by asking a fundamental question: just how much protein do our bodies truly need, and can having too much—or too little—actually harm our health? The insights, based on current nutritional research and penned by a UK physiological sciences academic, are highly relevant for Thai readers navigating an increasingly health-conscious food market.

Groundbreaking nutritional research challenges the protein supplement industry’s marketing claims by revealing that excessive protein consumption poses serious health risks for Thai consumers, while protein deficiency remains surprisingly rare among well-fed populations throughout Southeast Asia. Leading physiological scientists from the United Kingdom present compelling evidence that the current high-protein trend flooding Thai supermarkets and fitness centers may be creating more health problems than it solves, particularly as urban Thais abandon traditional balanced diets in favor of Western-style protein-heavy regimens that strain kidneys, disrupt digestion, and ignore crucial nutritional balance principles.

A growing wave of protein-focused marketing is drawing concern from researchers about its health impact on Thai consumers. New evidence from leading physiology experts in the United Kingdom suggests that excessive protein intake may pose real risks, while deficiency is less common in well-fed Southeast Asian populations. The findings come as urban Thai lifestyles lean toward Western-style, protein-heavy regimens that could strain kidneys, disrupt digestion, and overlook balanced nutrition.

Protein is essential beyond muscle building. It supports tissue repair, immune function, and the structure of bones, skin, hair, and nails. Yet Thailand’s vibrant market for protein bars, fortified cereals, powders, and functional foods has transformed this macronutrient into a marketing tool that may promote overconsumption if guidance is lacking. Consumers need clear, science-backed information to navigate this trend.

Goji berries, long revered in traditional Asian medicine, have increasingly gained popularity in Thailand and around the globe as a ‘superfood’. But what does the latest scientific research actually say about these vibrant orange-red berries, and are their health claims justified for Thai consumers looking to boost their diet? A wave of recent studies and expert statements paints a complex, nuanced picture—one that separates age-old myth from modern evidence.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries and native to East Asia, have been staple ingredients in Chinese medicine for centuries. Here in Thailand, where health-conscious consumers are quick to embrace new global wellness trends, dried goji berries are appearing with greater frequency on supermarket shelves, in desserts, and even in street drinks. Their reputation hinges on remarkable claims: immune boosting, eye protection, cancer prevention, metabolic health, and more. But recent reviews in the scientific literature—published as late as 2025—suggest these benefits, while promising, may come with important caveats (USA Today, MergerWatch).

Goji berries, revered for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, have surged in popularity throughout Thailand and globally as proclaimed superfoods, but comprehensive scientific analysis reveals a complex, nuanced picture that separates historical claims from contemporary evidence. As health-conscious Thai consumers increasingly embrace international wellness trends, recent research provides essential guidance for evaluating goji berry benefits while making informed decisions about incorporating these vibrant orange-red berries into traditional dietary patterns that already emphasize natural healing foods and nutritional diversity.

Goji berries—known as wolfberries in traditional East Asian medicine—have surged in popularity in Thailand and around the world as a celebrated superfood. New scientific reviews, however, urge careful interpretation of claims and realistic expectations for health benefits. For health-conscious Thai readers, this piece translates global findings into practical insights aligned with local dietary patterns that already favor diverse, nutrient-rich foods.

Historically used in traditional medicine, goji berries have earned a reputation for boosting immunity, supporting eye health, and aiding metabolic function. In Thailand, dried goji berries appear on supermarket shelves, in desserts, and in beverages, reflecting a growing appetite for global wellness trends. While the health claims are intriguing, researchers emphasize that the evidence is not conclusive and warrants balanced, evidence-based consideration.

A new clinical trial published in a prestigious journal shows that avoiding ultraprocessed foods helps people lose more weight than sticking to even healthy processed alternatives. In Thailand, where obesity has become a growing concern, these findings offer timely insight into how everyday choices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond may influence health outcomes.

Researchers conducted a rigorous, crossover study with 55 adults, mainly women, who followed two two-month dietary periods. One period emphasized minimally processed foods like overnight oats, homemade pasta, fresh dairy, and vegetables. The other emphasized processed options marketed as healthy, such as whole-grain cereals, plant-based beverages, and frozen ready meals. Both diets met standard guidelines for sugar, fat, and sodium. A washout interval separated the two phases to reduce carryover effects.

A major new clinical trial published in Nature Medicine spotlights the powerful impact of avoiding ultraprocessed foods for those seeking to lose weight. According to the research, participants who switched to minimally processed foods—such as fresh vegetables, plain yogurt, and scratch-cooked meals—lost nearly twice as much weight over two months compared to those eating even the healthiest versions of ultraprocessed food products. The findings present important considerations for dietary patterns in Thailand, where obesity and related chronic diseases are on the rise and ultraprocessed foods are becoming increasingly ubiquitous.

Fresh scientific research highlights the remarkable power of specific dietary choices to actively lower cholesterol levels and protect cardiovascular health, offering hope for Thai readers as lifestyle-related heart disease becomes increasingly prevalent throughout the Kingdom. The latest evidence-based guidance identifies ten accessible, everyday foods that scientific studies demonstrate can effectively reduce harmful LDL cholesterol while boosting protective HDL cholesterol, establishing dietary interventions as Thailand’s most powerful and accessible first-line defense against cardiovascular disease that now ranks among the nation’s leading health challenges.

Groundbreaking clinical research published in Nature Medicine reveals the transformative power of avoiding ultraprocessed foods for sustainable weight management, demonstrating that individuals who switched to minimally processed whole foods lost nearly twice as much weight compared to those consuming even the healthiest versions of manufactured food products. These remarkable findings carry profound implications for Thailand’s growing obesity epidemic and changing dietary patterns, as urbanization and Western food influences increasingly challenge traditional Thai eating habits that have historically protected against metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.

A growing body of research highlights how everyday foods can actively lower LDL cholesterol and boost HDL, offering practical strategies for Thai readers amid rising heart disease. The evidence points to a set of accessible foods that, when integrated into a balanced diet, support cardiovascular health without relying on miracle cures.

In Thailand, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death and Western eating patterns take hold, these findings offer actionable guidance. The foods work together—fiber-rich grains, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense produce—to reduce inflammation and manage risk factors beyond cholesterol, including blood pressure and body weight.

A wave of fresh research highlights that simple diet changes, specifically eating certain foods, can play a powerful role in lowering cholesterol and protecting heart health—news with growing relevance as Thailand’s lifestyle diseases rise. The latest guidance, published by nutrition experts and synthesised in a comprehensive report by EatingWell, underscores ten everyday foods that scientific evidence shows can actively reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and boost protective “good” HDL cholesterol, cementing dietary habits as Thailand’s first line of defense against heart disease (EatingWell).