#Health

Ginger, known in Thai as “khing,” is a staple rhizome found in nearly every Thai kitchen and traditional apothecary, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and fiery warmth. Yet, as ginger slices simmer in a pot of tom yum or bubble in a home remedy for cough, this humble herb stands at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern science. Scientists worldwide are now peeling back the layers of tradition to uncover the true medicinal value of Zingiber officinale, the botanical name for ginger, long revered across Asia—and especially in Thailand—not only as a culinary delight but as a trusted healer.

Kluai Namwa, botanically Musa x paradisiaca, is a staple in Thai kitchens and a long‑standing part of home remedies. Today, new laboratory research connects this age‑old fruit with modern biomedical insights, highlighting its potential beyond everyday cooking. The story resonates with Thai families who have trusted Kluai Namwa for generations and now see science catching up with tradition.

In rural and urban Thailand, the unripe fruit known as กล้วยน้ำว้า in Thai has long appeared in soothing broths and remedies for digestion, ulcers, and even postpartum lactation. The plant’s offerings extend from gentle wound care to digestive health, reflecting a deep cultural respect for nature’s gifts. According to research from Thailand’s Mahidol University, traditional uses align with botanical properties now being examined in labs.

Deeply embedded in the fragrant traditions of Asia, the camphor tree – known locally in Thailand as “การบูร” and scientifically as Cinnamomum camphora – has captivated generations with its distinctive aroma and remarkable healing properties. Revered as much in temple rituals as in household medicine chests, camphor (การบูร) bridges the world of ancient herbal wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research, serving as a vivid illustration of how tradition and science can intertwine for the benefit of health-conscious individuals today.

Camphor, known locally in Thailand as การบูร, sits at the crossroads of traditional wisdom and modern science. This aromatic resin has long warmed balms, guided temple rituals, and offered relief for everyday ailments. Today, researchers are unpacking its chemistry and evaluating its safety, relevance, and potential for Thai health practices in a global context.

In Thailand, the scent of camphor evokes comfort and memory. It is a staple in households for soothing muscle fatigue, easing coughs, and calming itching. Beyond the home, camphor’s role in religious ceremonies underscores its cultural significance as a purifying, protective substance. As new studies illuminate how camphor works at a molecular level, Thai readers can connect age-old remedies with contemporary safety and efficacy standards.

Dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, known in Thai as กานพลู, have long drawn attention beyond their potent aroma. In northern Thailand, these tiny sun-dried buds—referred to as จันจี่ or ดอกจันทร์—are staples in cuisine and traditional healing. They are valued for warming properties and commonly used for toothache, digestion, and minor ailments. As global interest in natural remedies grows, clove stands as a compelling example of how ancient wisdom intersects with contemporary pharmacology—relevant to health-minded Thai readers.

The dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, better known as clove or กานพลู, have long carried a reputation far beyond their potent aroma. In Thailand, these tiny, sun-dried buds—known in the North as จันจี่ or ดอกจันทร์—are a fixture not only in cuisine but in traditional herbal medicine, prized for their warming properties and used to address everything from toothache to digestive disturbances. As scientific interest in natural remedies surges globally, clove offers a compelling case study at the intersection of ancient healing traditions and modern pharmacological research—a story that continues to unfold with relevance for health-conscious Thai readers.

The recent exploration into low-carb diets, highlighted by USA Today, illuminates the nuanced impacts of reducing carb intake on health, while emphasizing that sustaining such diets may not be universally suitable. Various diets stress reductions in specific components, but carbohydrates often find themselves at the center of dietary restrictions. Understanding the implications of this can guide Thai readers in making informed dietary choices.

Carbohydrates, often called carbs, are crucial as they serve as the primary energy source for the body. There are two main types: simple carbs found in foods such as milk and fruits, and complex carbs present in foods like potatoes, rice, and bread. Both are eventually broken down into glucose, fueling our organs and muscles. A low-carb diet proposes a significant reduction from the typical intake of 225 to 325 grams per day to as low as 130 grams, and in certain extreme diets, even 20 to 60 grams daily. This is achieved by limiting sugary foods and processed grains, while encouraging the intake of proteins and fats from sources like chicken, seafood, eggs, and nuts.

A recent review of low-carb diets, covered by major outlets, highlights how reducing carbohydrates can impact health and why sustained restriction isn’t for everyone. While various eating plans emphasize cutting certain nutrients, carbs often sit at the center of many dietary decisions. For Thai readers, understanding these nuances helps inform practical, culturally relevant choices.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. They come in two forms: simple carbs found in dairy and fruit, and complex carbs found in staples like rice, potatoes, and bread. Both are eventually converted to glucose to fuel the brain, heart, and muscles. Typical daily intake can range widely, but some guides suggest reducing from about 225–325 grams to around 130 grams, or in stricter plans, dropping to 20–60 grams per day. This is usually done by limiting sweets and refined grains while prioritizing proteins and fats from foods such as chicken, seafood, eggs, and nuts.

A well-known television figure, Jenny McCarthy, recently shared on a popular health podcast that she “almost died” due to complications from a vegan diet before switching to an all-animal-based approach. She describes the carnivore diet as improving her energy and digestion, though medical professionals caution against potential risks for many readers.

The carnivore diet, endorsed by some influencers, has grown in visibility in recent years. However, experts from a leading medical school warn about kidney stones linked to high protein intake, which can raise uric acid levels. Elevated uric acid may form painful stones that block the urinary tract and cause infections.

Recent research from Sweden has ignited concerns about a commonly overlooked source of heart health risks: the workplace coffee machine. A study conducted by Uppsala University has unveiled that coffee from many office coffee machines may contain elevated levels of cholesterol-raising compounds, which could have long-term implications on heart health. For many office workers in Thailand and around the globe, the coffee break is a daily ritual to recharge and socialize. However, this new evidence suggests it may come with unexpected health costs.

A wave of recent studies suggests intermittent fasting (IF) could be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. Researchers report greater average weight reduction and higher long-term adherence with IF, offering fresh insights for obesity management that resonate with Thai audiences.

In a 12-month comparison, participants following an intermittent fasting plan lost an average 7.7 kilograms, compared with about 4.8 kilograms for those on continuous calorie restriction. Dropout rates were notably lower in the IF group, with fewer than one in five participants leaving the study versus about three in ten in the calorie-restriction cohort.

A recent study has sparked significant interest in the potential of the ketogenic diet (keto diet) to reverse biological aging, a topic that is highly relevant to many seeking longevity and healthier lives. The research suggests that a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) can reverse epigenetic aging by over six years, offering intriguing possibilities for health rejuvenation, particularly among those grappling with obesity.

Understanding biological aging involves considering epigenetic changes—biomolecular processes determined by lifestyle and environmental factors—that govern the aging of cells and tissues. Unlike chronological aging, which is simply an accumulation of time, biological aging reflects the real-time wear and tear your cells undergo, making it a more accurate marker of health and vitality source.

A new study is capturing attention for suggesting that a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet can reverse certain markers of biological aging. For Thai readers interested in longevity and healthier living, the findings offer a fresh perspective on how diet might influence aging at the cellular level.

Biological aging is driven by epigenetic changes—molecular processes shaped by lifestyle and environment. These changes affect how cells and tissues age, beyond simply accumulating years. The latest research indicates that sustained ketosis, paired with very low calorie intake, may slow or even reverse aspects of this aging process. Researchers note improvements in metabolic health and body composition alongside these aging markers, though findings require cautious interpretation until confirmed by longer-term studies.

Kluai Namwa, known botanically as Musa x paradisiaca and cherished across Thailand for generations, is far more than a simple tropical staple – it’s a beloved piece of both culinary heritage and traditional pharmacopoeia. This unassuming banana, commonly harvested while still unripe, has a profound legacy as a trusted remedy in Thai homes. Today, a fresh wave of laboratory research is illuminating the clinical potential of this age-old fruit, drawing new connections between ancient healing traditions and modern biomedical science.

Red holy basil, known in Thailand as gaprao daeng, remains a cornerstone of Thai kitchens and traditional healing. While globally called holy basil and scientifically Ocimum tenuiflorum, it is the red-tinged cultivar that captures Thailand’s enduring link between plant-based living and wellness. Thai households long used gaprao daeng to ease coughs, fevers, and various ailments, while modern researchers explore its potential to address chronic disease and stress. This evolving dialogue between old wisdom and new science holds particular relevance for Thai readers who value both cultural heritage and evidence-based health.

Red holy basil, known locally in Thailand as “กะเพราแดง” (gaprao daeng), is cherished across the country both for its distinctive spicy aroma and as a revered medicine in traditional healing. Although famed globally as “holy basil” or by its scientific name, Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonyms: Ocimum sanctum, etc.), it is the dramatic red-tinged cultivar—celebrated in Thai folklore, kitchens, and herbal medicine—that captures the nation’s deep connection to plant-based health. Long before the rise of modern clinics and pharmacies, gaprao daeng was already a mainstay of Thai homes, used to treat everything from coughs and fevers to spiritual malaise. Now, as researchers worldwide search for new therapies to tackle chronic diseases and stress, science is returning its focus to this humble herb, striving to validate the ancient wisdom held by countless Thai elders.

A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden raises questions about heart health and workplace coffee. The research found that coffee prepared by many office machines may contain higher levels of diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol—cholesterol-raising compounds. These substances can be less effectively filtered out by metal filters commonly used in office brews, unlike traditional paper-filtered coffee.

For Thai workers, the coffee break is more than a pause—it’s a social ritual that boosts morale and productivity. This study suggests that the way coffee is brewed at work could influence long-term cholesterol levels, especially for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Data from leading health authorities indicate that elevated LDL cholesterol remains a major risk factor for heart disease, reinforcing the need to consider coffee choices in the workplace.

As protein becomes the focal point in fitness and dietary advice globally, it has sparked a wave of products fortified with additional protein content. From yoghurt and bread to coffee and even alcoholic beverages, the market is saturated with foods touting their protein merits. But while protein’s role in maintaining muscle mass and overall health is undeniable, the question arises: Are these protein-fortified foods truly beneficial for our health?

Protein’s significance in our diets is well-acknowledged, as it assists in maintaining muscle mass and supporting immune function. Current nutrition guidelines recommend an intake of about 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for the general population. However, some studies argue this might be underestimated, proposing increased consumption to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram, especially for older adults, athletes, or those recovering from illness source.

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.

Across Thailand’s forests and village gardens, a humble fern still whispers through the leaves. กระแตไต่ไม้, known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, and กูดขาฮอก, climbs trunks and thrives in humid shade. For generations, Thai communities have trusted its rhizome for healing wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring vitality. Today, scientists and traditional healers are exploring how this emblem of cultural heritage might complement evidence-based medicine.

The plant is woven into local life from Isaan plains to the forests of Kanchanaburi and the southern coast. Its name evokes the nimble forest creature, underscoring how communities relate to nature. Thai herbalists have long prized the rhizome for treating fractures, fevers, and digestive issues. In rural areas where access to healthcare can be uneven, กระแตไต่ไม้ remains a familiar care option, integrated with other traditional practices that sustain local health rituals.

In Thailand’s lush forests and village gardens, the whisper of ancient healing can still be heard—in the shade of a sprawling tree, where กระแตไต่ไม้ (Drynaria quercifolia), known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, กูดขาฮอก, and more, climbs trunks and flourishes in the damp shadow. For generations, Thais have entrusted “the oakleaf fern” with treating wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring well-being. But in an era of evidence-based medicine, how does this traditional remedy stand up to scientific scrutiny? From the wisdom of healers to breakthroughs in pharmacological labs, กระแตไต่ไม้’s story is a fascinating intersection of cultural heritage and modern validation.

A Bangkok resident’s 2023 decision to undergo bariatric surgery began with a simple goal: improve health through weight loss. After shedding 130 pounds, Emma Roma Jayne experienced a mix of expected and surprising changes. Her story highlights both hopeful outcomes and the less visible shifts that can accompany weight-loss surgery.

Obesity remains a growing public health challenge in Thailand, drawing interest in bariatric procedures. Yet adoption is lower here than in many Western countries, influenced by cultural views and access barriers. Thailand’s medical community, including the Thai Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is pushing for broader awareness and more accessible options for healthier living.

Recent insights suggest that making breakfast your largest meal of the day aligns with your body’s natural rhythms, enhancing digestion and energy levels, according to experts such as Michelle Routhenstein, a cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished. This renewed focus on breakfast comes as research shows that our metabolism is more efficient during the morning hours source.

In Thailand, where diverse breakfast traditions, like the hearty breakfast rice dish khao tom, already form an essential part of the culture, these findings resonate well. It supports the practice of starting the day with balanced nutrition, which is especially valuable for Thai people navigating busy urban lifestyles in cities like Bangkok.

A new study from researchers at a major U.S. medical school demonstrates that strengthening the brain’s waste-clearing system can improve memory in aging mice. The approach targets the meningeal lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain, which drain waste to the body’s lymph nodes. By enhancing this clearance, older mice showed clearer memory and curiosity toward new objects, suggesting a potential pathway for human therapies against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.