#Health

A growing body of research is challenging our instinctive avoidance of boredom, suggesting that our constant efforts to escape it—especially through smartphones—may be undermining both our mental health and the potential for meaningful self-discovery. Recent findings discussed in The Guardian highlight the complexity of boredom’s role in the digital age and spark fresh debate on how Thai society should approach this underestimated emotion.

Thais, like people everywhere, live in an era saturated with digital distractions. Whether waiting in line at a food stall, riding the BTS Skytrain, or enduring a lull during classroom lectures, the reflex for many is to reach for a smartphone. The implications run deeper than wasted time: a new consensus among psychologists is that boredom, although often uncomfortable, serves an important function similar to hunger or loneliness by prompting us toward more engaging or meaningful pursuits.

A major new study has revealed that adults looking to stave off high blood pressure—a key risk factor for heart disease—may need to do twice as much exercise as current global health guidelines suggest. While many Thais may believe the standard recommendation of 150 minutes per week is sufficient, findings published by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco and reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine underscore that five hours, or 300 minutes, of moderate activity weekly is the new target for effectively lowering hypertension risk (Earth.com).

Garlic, or Allium sativum, has traveled across time and culture as both a kitchen staple and a powerful healer. For Thai readers focused on health, tradition, and daily wellbeing, garlic’s story is more than flavor—it embodies the enduring link between ancient wisdom and contemporary science.

Tracing back more than 5,000 years to Central Asia, garlic’s influence spread from Egypt to India and beyond. In Thailand, garlic is woven into food, medicine, and folklore. Across ancient civilizations, it was revered as a symbol of vitality, often hung in temples or tucked into belongings for protection. Thai traditional medicine describes garlic as a carminative and a remedy for digestive discomfort, a view shared by neighboring traditions and reinforced in Thai medical texts.

Garlic, or Allium sativum, has stood the test of time, crossing borders, cultures, and generations as both a potent healing agent and a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world. For Thai readers tuned into health, wellness, and tradition, garlic’s story is more than the backdrop to a favorite dish. It is a symbol of the enduring interplay between ancient healing wisdom and rigorous scientific inquiry—a bridge that only seems to grow stronger with the march of time.

Across Thai gardens and temple courtyards, the distinctive aroma of holy basil—known locally as kaphrao (กะเพรา)—is a familiar and beloved presence. For centuries, Ocimum tenuiflorum, or tulsi as it is called in much of South Asia, has served as far more than a culinary herb or ornamental plant. Revered throughout Thai and Asian traditions for both its healing powers and spiritual significance, holy basil is emerging as a botanical protagonist in the intersection between ancient remedies and modern science. Recent research is now unpacking the many claims surrounding this plant, exploring whether its time-honored reputation as a “Queen of Herbs” holds up in the laboratory as well as in the lore of Thai families.

In Thai kitchens and temple courtyards, the aroma of sacred basil, known locally as kaphrao, is instantly recognizable. Ocimum tenuiflorum, or tulsi in much of South Asia, has long been more than a culinary herb or ornamental plant. Revered for both healing and spiritual significance, holy basil is now at the center of a growing dialogue between tradition and science. Recent studies are testing whether its celebrated reputation as the “Queen of Herbs” stands up to modern investigation, while Thai families continue to rely on it in daily life.

The belief that pushing yourself to the limit is the key to getting fit is common in Thailand and worldwide, but recent research suggests this approach may be more myth than fact. According to a leading professor of exercise physiology, the most effective path to fitness is not about working out harder, but about training smarter, understanding recovery, and making gradual progress—a lesson with broad implications for health-conscious Thais seeking sustainable results (Fit & Well).

A major new study suggests Thais may need to aim for more than the standard 150 minutes of weekly activity. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, reporting in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that 300 minutes (five hours) of moderate activity weekly could more effectively cut hypertension risk.

Hypertension remains a growing concern in Thailand, where about one in four adults are affected. The condition contributes to strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and other health problems. The new guidance comes as stress, urban living, and sedentary work patterns push up blood pressure levels. Public health experts say increasing daily movement is essential to prevent complications later in life.

Smart training, not sheer effort, is the path to sustainable fitness. A leading exercise physiologist notes that progress hinges on intelligent programming, adequate recovery, and steady milestones—lessons that resonate with health-conscious readers in Thailand seeking lasting results.

In Thai fitness culture, the mantra “no pain, no gain” remains popular, echoed by trainers and gym ads across the country. Yet a UK-based professor argues that pushing intensity without recovery can undermine long-term health. For beginners and anyone aiming for durable results, the emphasis should be on method, not misery.

Few kitchen spices hold the power and reverence of turmeric. Known in Thai as “khamin chan” (ขมิ้นชัน), this vibrant golden rhizome is symbolic in Buddhist rituals, indispensable in Thai kitchens, and deeply woven into the traditional healing practices of Southeast Asia. Today, as modern science unearths the profound health-promoting properties of Curcuma longa, turmeric is enjoying a renaissance in global wellness circles, bridging old-world wisdom with contemporary evidence-based healthcare.

Turmeric’s legacy in traditional medicine spans millennia. For thousands of years, Thai and Southeast Asian healers have regarded turmeric as a panacea for ailments ranging from digestive upsets and skin infections to joint pains and wounds. In Thailand, powdered turmeric has been used in traditional recipes for longevity and beauty, incorporated in skin-whitening masks, digestive tonics, and even in postpartum care. Turmeric is also featured in Thai massage balms and herbal compresses, reflecting the belief in its ability to reduce inflammation and restore balance (“samun phrai”) in the body. Its status extends beyond healing; the root is seen as a symbol of purity and auspicious beginnings, its bright color associated with blessings and protection (NCBI Bookshelf: Turmeric, the Golden Spice).

Turmeric, known in Thai as khamin chan, is a bright golden rhizome that holds a special place in Buddhist rituals, Thai kitchens, and traditional healing. As modern science uncovers its health-promoting properties, turmeric is making a global comeback while staying deeply rooted in Southeast Asian heritage.

In Thai and Southeast Asian traditional medicine, turmeric has long been used for digestive discomfort, skin concerns, joint pain, and wound healing. In Thailand, turmeric is common in beauty and digestive preparations, postpartum care, and in massage balms and herbal compresses that reflect the belief in reducing inflammation and restoring harmony within the body. The root is also a symbol of purity and auspicious beginnings, its vibrant color linked to blessings and protection, a notion echoed by Thai cultural practitioners and health historians.

A major update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is expected to be released soon, potentially as early as June. Health professionals, educators, and policymakers around the world, including in Thailand, are watching closely. The forthcoming guidance will shape food policy for institutions, influence school meal programs, and inform nutrition advice used beyond the United States. Early reports indicate the new edition may push for more plant-based foods, updated protein recommendations, and tighter limits on added sugars and processed foods. The update is part of a five-year cycle to reflect the latest science and the evolving needs of populations.

A new wave of research suggests you can build muscle effectively with shorter, heavier workouts rather than long, low-weight sessions. For busy Thais juggling work and family, this could redefine how you train.

Researchers describe how lifting heavier weights for fewer repetitions can place unusually strong demand on muscles, potentially accelerating strength and size gains. In practical terms, this means workouts may be shorter but more intense, challenging the old belief that longer gym time is essential for progress.

A groundbreaking study making waves in the fitness world suggests that working out less—by focusing on heavier weights and shorter sessions—can actually deliver greater muscle gains. This emerging evidence overturns longstanding gym dogma that equates progress with spending long hours lifting lighter loads. For Thai readers looking to maximise results despite busy schedules, the implications of this new research could be truly transformative.

According to several major outlets, including a summary by Women’s Health magazine (womenshealthmag.com), scientists now advise that fewer reps performed with heavier weights can more efficiently stress muscles, leading to faster and more significant gains in both muscle strength and size. This counters the popular belief that high-rep, lighter-weight routines are the fastest path to fitness.

A growing body of global and local research is confirming what many may suspect: prolonged sitting at desks—whether at home, the office, or in school classrooms—can take a significant toll on both mind and body. Evidence suggests that the simple act of standing and moving for just five to ten minutes each hour can profoundly help cognition, health, and even academic performance, sounding an urgent call for Thai schools and workplaces to rethink their predominantly sedentary environments (Psychology Today).

Self-reliance sits at the core of Buddhist practice and shapes Thai cultural life. The Buddha taught that liberation comes from personal effort and inner development, not from outside forces. This message remains deeply relevant in modern Thailand as society changes rapidly and people seek meaning.

In Thai Buddhism, self-reliance is often summarized as attāhi attano nātho—one’s own refuge. The Buddha’s life in ancient India underlines that freedom from suffering must be earned through wisdom, ethical conduct, and disciplined mind. This teaching has long guided monastic and lay practitioners across Thailand.

The principle of self-reliance stands as a central pillar in Buddhism, shaping not only the core of religious practice but also cultural attitudes in Thai society. This teaching, which is grounded in the Buddha’s encouragement that individuals take responsibility for their own actions and inner development, remains relevant in modern Thai life amid rapid social changes and ongoing spiritual quests.

Buddhist self-reliance, or “attāhi attano nātho” (one is one’s own refuge), is rooted in the historical context of the Buddha’s own life in ancient India. According to the Pali Canon, the Buddha repeatedly emphasized that liberation from suffering cannot be outsourced or bestowed by outsiders—such as deities, spirits, or even the Buddha himself—but must be achieved through cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline personally (Watnyanaves.net). This foundational teaching has permeated Thai Buddhism for centuries and continues to inform both monastic and lay practice.

A growing body of global and Thai research shows that long hours of desk life—from classrooms to offices—can impair both health and thinking. Experts say standing and moving for five to ten minutes each hour can boost cognition, energy, and even exam performance. This finding urges Thai schools and workplaces to rethink environments that remain predominantly sedentary.

For many Thais, daily routines revolve around seated tasks. The habit is more than a modern nuisance; it poses a quiet health risk. A June 2025 expert review highlights why our evolutionary past, brain science, and medical studies support regular movement—not only for the body but also for sharper thinking and learning. In a nation where urban offices and tight classroom schedules dominate daily life, the message could not be more timely.

Scientists have uncovered that the brain’s dopamine system doesn’t simply predict if a reward is coming, but also precisely when to expect it—offering fresh insights into motivation, addiction, and even artificial intelligence. This new study, led by researchers at the University of Geneva and published on June 9, 2025, fundamentally changes our understanding of how the brain’s reward circuitry times and values pleasurable experiences, opening new avenues for practical applications in health and education (ScienceDaily).

A new study reveals that the brain’s dopamine system does more than signal rewards. It also predicts the exact timing of when pleasure will occur. This insight could transform approaches to motivation, addiction treatment, and even artificial intelligence. Led by researchers from the University of Geneva and published in mid-2025, the work shows the brain’s reward circuitry times pleasurable experiences with remarkable precision, offering practical implications for health and learning in Thailand.

New research is reshaping how Thai gym-goers plan their sessions. The study suggests that doing strength training before cardio yields greater fat loss, better muscle performance, and more daily activity than the opposite order. The findings were reported by The Conversation and published on June 9, 2025.

In Thailand, urban lifestyles and wellness trends are increasingly intertwined with fitness guidance. With rising concerns about obesity and non-communicable diseases, the study’s practical take on workout sequencing offers actionable insights for students in Bangkok, office workers, and retirees in Chiang Mai who want to maximize every training session.

Chicken breast, long championed as a staple protein in kitchens worldwide, is now enjoying renewed recognition for its impressive health benefits, according to recent research and nutrition reports. Examining the nutritional profile of chicken breast, experts highlight its unrivaled protein content, low saturated fat levels, and essential vitamin load—making it an optimal choice for individuals looking to enhance heart health, energy, and overall wellbeing. This news, resonating globally, carries increasingly relevant implications for Thai families seeking cost-effective, high-quality nutrition options amid shifting dietary trends.

A simple change in protein choice could make a meaningful difference for Thai families. Recent nutrition analysis highlights skinless, boneless chicken breast as a high-protein option with low saturated fat and a strong vitamin profile. For households seeking heart health, steady energy, and budget-conscious meals, chicken breast stands out as a practical staple.

Thai kitchens have long relied on a mix of rice, fish, pork, and poultry. As wellness awareness grows and concerns about red and processed meats rise, chicken breast offers a flexible alternative that aligns with local tastes and cooking styles. Culinary and health commentators note that in many measures, the chicken breast performs exceptionally well—especially when prepared with minimal added fats.

A fresh wave of research is shaking up the fitness world with an answer to the age-old gym debate: should you do cardio before or after lifting weights? According to a new study reported by The Conversation and published on June 9, 2025, performing strength training before cardiovascular exercise leads to greater fat loss, improved muscle performance, and more daily physical activity than reversing the sequence (theconversation.com).

In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and wellness trends increasingly intertwine, this scientifically-backed advice could reshape routines for everyone from gym-goers to those seeking healthier lifestyles. The study’s findings are especially timely, as obesity and non-communicable diseases remain national challenges despite government campaigns to increase physical activity. For Thai readers—from students in Bangkok’s bustling neighborhoods to retirees prioritizing health in Chiang Mai—the research offers practical insight into maximizing each workout.