#Diet

A recent Pew Research Center survey paints a clear picture of how rising food prices and evolving lifestyles influence healthy eating in 2025. The findings show that taste, convenience, affordability, and health are all weighing into daily choices. For Thai readers, the study offers valuable parallels as Thailand faces similar nutrition challenges and ongoing public health campaigns.

As food prices rise, 90% of adults surveyed in the United States acknowledge that healthy food has become more expensive. About 70% say price increases make it harder to maintain a healthy diet, with lower-income individuals feeling the squeeze most. The study included 5,123 adults and highlights how affordability, access, and knowledge shape dietary health amid rising obesity, abundant delivery options, and shifting dietary guidance from social media influencers. The research is reported through national institutions and public health experts.

A widespread shortfall in dietary fiber is linked to digestive issues, heart health risks, and unstable blood sugar. Nutritionists say small, everyday food swaps can boost fiber without sacrificing taste or convenience. With ultra-processed foods rising and busy schedules cutting into meal prep, a fiber-focused mindset is timely for health-conscious Thai readers.

Data shows many adults in Thailand do not meet the international fiber guideline of 22 to 34 grams per day. Health authorities emphasize that fiber supports digestive health, a balanced gut microbiome, better blood sugar control, and weight management. The reality on the ground is that many meals—rice-based and fiber-light—may fall short, especially in urban settings.

A nationwide lack of dietary fiber is putting millions at risk of digestive issues, poor heart health, and unstable blood sugar—but nutritionists say that simple, everyday food swaps can swiftly boost fiber intake without compromising flavor or convenience. With ultra-processed foods on the rise and busy lifestyles squeezing out healthy meal prep, a new spotlight on fiber is timely for health-conscious readers across Thailand.

Over 95% of Americans reportedly fall short on fiber, a figure likely mirrored in Thailand as dietary patterns globalize and rice-centric, fiber-light meals persist in daily routines (Delish). Fiber is not just for digestive wellness: research links adequate fiber intake to lower risks of heart disease, improved gut microbiome health, better blood sugar regulation, and helpful weight management (CDC, PubMed). For adult Thais, the international recommended daily fiber intake is 22 to 34 grams, but most fall far short, according to local public health officials.

A growing number of nutritionists warn that persistent hunger and lingering fatigue may indicate insufficient protein intake. In Thailand, where meals often center on rice, this issue has particular relevance for anyone aiming to stay healthy and energized.

Protein is a key macronutrient essential for building and repairing body tissues, supporting immune function, and regulating metabolism. Nutrition professionals emphasize that proteins are made of amino acids, the building blocks of life. According to research cited by a leading Bangkok nutritionist, protein plays a central role in the structure and function of the body’s cells. Data from respected health organizations reinforces that proteins are vital for maintaining tissues and organs.

Nutrition experts are sounding the alarm about a potentially overlooked dietary issue: not getting enough protein, a problem that can have far-reaching effects on health and wellbeing. According to the latest research and insights from leading registered dietitians, a persistent feeling of hunger and lingering fatigue between meals may be the number one warning sign that you’re falling short on this vital nutrient. In Thailand—where carbohydrate-rich diets, especially those based on rice, are the norm—this finding holds special relevance for anyone keen to maintain optimal health.

A wave of new studies reopens the debate over brown versus white rice, a topic resonating with health-conscious Thais who rely on rice daily. Research summarized for Thai audiences indicates brown rice may offer metabolic benefits, while traditional white rice remains deeply embedded in local meals. The findings suggest daily rice choices could influence aging and chronic disease risk.

Rice anchors Thai cuisine, from street food to ceremonial feasts. Jasmine white rice remains the most popular choice for its aroma and texture, yet health advocates have long touted brown rice for its higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Data from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that milling removes bran and germ from white rice, stripping away nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants. This nutritional gap may influence long-term health outcomes for consumers.

A new wave of scientific research has reinvigorated the debate over brown versus white rice, sparking interest among health enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand, where rice is deeply woven into daily life. Recent findings reported by The Washington Post explore the distinct health profiles of brown and white rice, a topic of high relevance for Thai consumers who rely on rice as a dietary staple. The research not only highlights the nutritional advantages of brown rice but also examines how daily rice choices may influence aging and chronic disease risk.

A comprehensive review of recent medical research sheds new light on how diet, activity, and everyday habits affect health, offering practical guidance for Thai households navigating modern wellness challenges. The synthesis, led by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and drawing on studies from the past year, covers ultra-processed foods, plant oils, yoga for knee pain, and the broader role of healthy habits in brain health. The findings arrive at a time when Thai communities face rapid urbanization, changing food environments, and rising non-communicable diseases.

A sweeping new review of recent medical research offers fresh insights into the effects of diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle choices on health — with practical lessons that are especially relevant to Thai readers navigating modern wellness challenges. Drawing from studies published in the past year and synthesised by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the investigation examines topics ranging from the “addictiveness” of ultra-processed foods to the importance of plant oils, the benefits of yoga for knee pain, and the role of healthy habits in brain health. This collective evidence serves as timely guidance for households across Thailand looking to make informed decisions amid changing food environments and health concerns.

A newly viral claim that eating raisins could help you live longer has captured the public’s imagination, with many headlines suggesting these humble dried grapes might boost your lifespan—though not without caveats and tongue-in-cheek warnings about side effects such as “making your leg drop off.” With such bold claims circulating, Thai readers are left wondering: is there real science behind eating raisins for health and longevity, and what should we take from these sensational reports?

A recent surge of viral headlines claims that eating raisins can extend life. The messages mix encouraging notes with tongue-in-cheek warnings, such as jokes about “making your leg drop off.” For Thai readers, the question is clear: is there real science behind raisins and longevity, or is this another sensational food trend?

Raisins have a long-standing presence in Thai cuisine, enjoyed as snacks and in desserts. The international attention comes at a time when Thailand grapples with rising non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Many people are seeking dietary patterns that may support health and prevention, making evidence-based guidance especially relevant.

A recent wave of research has spotlighted a humble fruit rich in potassium as a powerful ally in combating high blood pressure, offering fresh hope to millions of Thais at risk for heart disease and stroke. Health experts say that regular consumption of this fruit, easily found in Thai markets, could play a crucial role in managing hypertension—a major health threat nationwide.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, afflicts roughly one in four Thai adults, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Left untreated, the condition can silently damage arteries and vital organs, elevating the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Addressing dietary factors is increasingly viewed as essential for prevention and control.

A wave of new research spotlights a common potassium-rich fruit as a practical ally against high blood pressure, offering fresh hope for millions of Thais at risk for heart disease and stroke. Health experts say regular fruit consumption available in Thai markets could play a meaningful role in preventing and managing hypertension.

Hypertension affects about one in four Thai adults, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. If left unchecked, high blood pressure can silently damage arteries and organs, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Diet is increasingly recognized as a key element in prevention and control.

A new, ancestry-inspired approach to gut-friendly eating is gaining traction worldwide, now recast for Thai audiences. A registered dietitian has proposed an “ancestral” alternative to the Mediterranean plan, emphasizing simple, balanced meals and evidence-based recipes designed to support digestive health. This shift comes as interest in gut health grows and families seek sustainable, culturally relevant options.

Global interest in gut health reflects growing evidence that trillions of gut microbes influence immunity, mood, and disease risk. For Thai households facing rising rates of irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and food intolerances, diet remains a critical tool for wellbeing. Thai nutrition experts highlight that locally available, minimally processed foods can nurture a healthy microbiome without relying on costly imports.

A new spin on gut-friendly eating is capturing attention worldwide, thanks to a registered dietitian’s creation of an “ancestral” alternative to the popular Mediterranean diet. Highlighted recently in a feature by Business Insider, this novel approach emphasizes simplicity, balanced nutrition, and evidence-based recipes designed to promote digestive health—a topic of growing significance for Thai readers in the wake of increasing concern over chronic gastrointestinal issues and the broader quest for well-being (Business Insider).

An increasing chorus of nutrition experts is warning about critical shortfalls in four essential nutrients—fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—among both Western and Asian populations. Despite growing public awareness of healthy eating, research shows that most adults are failing to meet daily recommendations for these key nutrients, a gap that experts link to heightened risk for chronic diseases, poor metabolic health, and diminished quality of life. Emerging data suggest this is not merely a Western phenomenon: while the United States faces striking deficiencies, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are also contending with shifting dietary patterns that threaten nutritional balance.

A landmark study spanning 101 countries finds that adults who eat more plant-based proteins tend to live longer, while animal proteins play a critical role in early life. Published in Nature Communications, the research is among the most comprehensive to date on how protein sources relate to lifespan. The findings offer lessons for Thailand’s evolving food landscape and health policy.

Across the world, higher plant protein intake is associated with improved adult survivorship and greater life expectancy, especially when compared with diets dominated by animal proteins. Conversely, the study shows that animal-protein may provide vital survival benefits during the first years of life, likely due to nutrients essential for growth and immune development.

A major new study spanning 101 countries has revealed that adults who consume a diet rich in plant-based proteins tend to live longer, while animal proteins remain crucial during early life. Published in Nature Communications, the international research provides some of the most comprehensive evidence yet linking dietary protein sources to lifespan, with possible lessons for Thailand’s evolving food landscape and health policies Nature Communications.

Across the globe, diets higher in plant protein were associated with significantly improved adult survivorship and overall life expectancy, especially when compared to diets where most protein comes from animal sources. Notably, the opposite effect was found among young children—animal-derived proteins offered unique survival benefits in the first years of life, likely due to bioavailable nutrients critical for development.

A growing number of nutrition experts warn that fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium are consistently underconsumed by adults in both Western and Asian populations. While public awareness of healthy eating has risen, data show many people do not meet daily recommendations, a gap linked to higher risks of chronic disease, poorer metabolic health, and reduced quality of life. The trend appears global, with Southeast Asia—including Thailand—grappling with dietary shifts that threaten nutrient balance.

A new study finds that brisk walking or cycling three times a week can reduce the “brain age” of older adults by as much as ten years in just six months. The research shows that moderate aerobic activity not only strengthens the body but also sharpens mental skills, especially in people showing early signs of cognitive impairment without dementia. This finding resonates in Thailand, where an aging population and rising chronic conditions heighten the focus on maintaining quality of life in later years.

A recent study has revealed that engaging in brisk walking or cycling three times per week can reduce the “brain age” of older adults by as much as ten years within just six months, offering renewed hope for those concerned about cognitive decline as they get older. The study, led by US-based researchers and published in the journal Neurology, found that regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise not only brings physical benefits but also has a remarkable effect on mental fitness—particularly for people already showing symptoms of cognitive impairment without dementia. This revelation is poised to resonate strongly in Thailand, where an ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease are focusing national attention on strategies to maintain quality of life in later years.

A new study highlights gut bacteria as a potential driver behind the global rise in colorectal cancer among people under 50. The research suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiome can damage the colon lining, trigger chronic inflammation, and increase cancer risk long before middle age. For Thailand, where dietary habits and antibiotic use are evolving rapidly, these findings emphasize the importance of gut health in cancer prevention.

Colon cancer is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults in both Western countries and Thailand. Thailand’s public health data show a steady uptick in colorectal cancer among individuals under 50 over the past decade, echoing a global pattern that has concerned researchers and policymakers. While genetics and lifestyle factors like inactivity, obesity, and processed-food diets contribute to risk, scientists are now focusing on the gut’s biological environment as a key factor.

A new investigation into the factors driving a troubling worldwide increase in colon cancer among young adults points to damage caused by certain gut bacteria as a potential culprit, according to recently reported research. The findings, which come amid mounting concern about the sharp rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under 50, highlight the possible role of the gut microbiome—a bustling ecosystem of trillions of organisms living in the digestive tract—in influencing cancer risk well before middle age. The research underscores an urgent need for both the medical community and the wider public in Thailand to consider how diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle choices may impact long-term gut health and, consequently, cancer prevention.

A recent study has sparked discussion among health-conscious readers in Thailand and beyond. It suggests that high consumption of white meat, such as chicken, may be associated with a slightly shorter lifespan. Published in a respected peer-reviewed journal, the findings challenge the long-standing view that white meat is a healthier alternative to red meat. For Thai audiences, where chicken is deeply woven into daily meals and street food, the news invites careful consideration of how white meat is prepared and eaten.