#Food

A sobering international study raises red flags for Thailand’s growing foraging and gourmet mushroom scene. Researchers link repeated consumption of false morels to clusters of fatal neurological illness, urging Thai chefs, foragers, and health authorities to act quickly.

Montchavin’s warning lights a dangerous pattern. The small French village, home to about 200 residents, has seen 16 people develop ALS over a decade. When adjusted for population, the rate is alarmingly high, signaling a potential environmental trigger rather than a hereditary cause.

Protein is central to muscle maintenance and immune function, and global diet trends push fortified foods with extra protein. From yoghurt and bread to coffee and even some alcoholic beverages, the market is flooded with claims about protein benefits. But are protein-fortified foods truly better for health in everyday Thai life?

Experts agree protein matters. Current guidelines suggest about 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for most adults. Some researchers argue this may be too low for certain groups—older adults, athletes, or people recovering from illness may benefit from 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram. However, there is debate about extremely high intakes, occasionally promoted by social media, which may far exceed what the body can effectively use.

A recent study led by Professor Tim Spector and conducted by nutrition researchers at Zoe reframes how we view ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The team introduces a Practical Processed Food Risk Scale that ranks items from low to high risk based on additives, palatability, and energy density. Since UPFs form a sizable part of many diets worldwide, including in Thailand, this framework helps consumers make more informed choices.

Traditionally, UPFs have been deemed uniformly unhealthy because they often contain preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and high levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. The Zoe findings, however, suggest that some processed items may pose less risk when they contribute beneficial components such as fiber or probiotics. For example, unsalted butter, certain dairy products with live cultures, and some whole-grain cereals may land in the low- or no-risk categories when consumed as part of a balanced diet. In contrast, heavily engineered snacks and flavored yogurts designed to maximize palatability remain higher-risk due to their formulation and potential effects on gut health.

A new study reveals unsettling findings about so-called healthy foods potentially carrying microplastics. The research links these tiny plastics to DNA damage and other health concerns, prompting a rethink of dietary choices that many people assume are beneficial. For Thai audiences, the results highlight how pervasive pollution can reach daily meals and how local eating habits may need careful consideration.

Microplastics are small plastic fragments, barely visible to the naked eye. They have infiltrated air, water, soil, and the foods we eat, making complete avoidance nearly impossible. The study points to practical dietary adjustments to reduce exposure. Notably, items like carrots, apples, rice, and honey were identified as common carriers, largely because of environmental contamination and industry processing.

A new beverage category has surged into markets worldwide: prebiotic gut sodas. Bright packaging and simple flavors like Cherry Cola and Crisp Apple have grabbed attention, presenting a healthier twist on traditional sodas while claiming gut benefits. This trend mirrors a broader push in food and beverage toward accessibility-friendly health improvements in everyday products.

In the United States, gut soda sales are booming. Brands such as Olipop and Poppi reportedly reached hundreds of millions in revenue within a year, drawing interest from major players. Coca-Cola projects billions in sales from prebiotic offerings by the end of the decade, while PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi signals a strategic pivot toward healthier options. These shifts suggest a growing appetite for wellness-forward choices in mainstream markets.