#DietAndNutrition

A new wave of research is shining light on the effects of vitamin D supplements on blood pressure, sparking hope among those tackling hypertension—a condition affecting one in four Thai adults. While vitamin D has long been praised for its benefits to bone health, immunity, and muscle function, questions about its potential to lower blood pressure are now coming to the fore. Recent findings suggest a nuanced reality: vitamin D’s impact on blood pressure largely depends on specific individual health factors, especially vitamin D status and existing blood pressure levels.

Fresh research turns conventional wisdom on its head, revealing that several so-called “bad” foods—often avoided in the quest for heart health—can actually play powerful roles in lowering cholesterol. This insight, highlighted in a recent report from EatingWell (April 2025), is backed by global scientific literature and offers new hope for patients managing high cholesterol in Thailand and around the world (EatingWell). Understanding these foods and how they can fit into a Thai diet is an important step in tackling the nation’s high rate of coronary heart disease.

A recent study underscores the importance of dietary changes in managing cholesterol levels, shedding light on processed meats as a critical factor. In a world where cholesterol often conjures images of heart disease, it’s essential to understand its dual nature. Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, plays vital roles, from hormone production to cell building. However, when low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, accumulates excessively, it leads to health risks like heart attacks and strokes.

In a recent article by the BBC, choline, an underrecognized nutrient, is highlighted for its vital role in brain health and development. Although not widely known, choline is crucial for cognitive performance, neurodevelopment, and mental well-being. This newfound awareness about choline underscores its potential in enhancing brain functions and protecting against various disorders.

Choline is not classified as a vitamin or mineral, yet it is essential for the human nervous system’s healthy functioning. Emerging evidence points to its role in improving cognitive function and safeguarding against disorders like ADHD and dyslexia. Furthermore, choline supports neurodevelopment, with studies revealing that maternal consumption of choline during pregnancy can enhance infants’ cognitive processing speeds. Profoundly involved in brain function, choline aids in producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for memory and learning, and is linked to reduced risks of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.