#Dietaryeducation

Calorie information on menus and labels is common in Thailand’s urban dining scene, but new research calls into question its impact. A peer-reviewed study suggests that listing calories may not help consumers choose healthier options and could even confuse them.

The study, published in the Journal of Retailing, involved more than 2,000 participants across nine experiments. Led by researchers in health behavior and consumer psychology, the work found that considering calorie data while judging food caused people to rate unhealthy items as less bad and healthy items as less beneficial. After seeing calorie figures, participants’ confidence in their judgments diminished, with salads and cheeseburgers becoming less clearly distinct in healthiness. Those not exposed to calorie numbers could reliably differentiate between healthful and less healthful choices. The Conversation summarizes these findings and notes that calorie counts can blur rather than clarify perceived healthfulness.

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.

A growing number of Thais may be missing essential nutrients, undermining long-term health. New analyses classify fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium as nutrients of public health concern because underconsumption is linked to digestive issues, bone health risks, weak immunity, and hypertension. Processed foods and lower fruit and vegetable intake are shaping dietary patterns, with clear implications for a nutrition-conscious Thailand.

Fiber is vital for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. In Thailand, urban lifestyles and Western influences can crowd out fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A registered dietitian emphasizes diversifying fiber sources across meals to maximize benefits and sustain energy levels for a fast-paced day.