#Healthyliving

In an era where medical advancements constantly vie for public attention, Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old physician and adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, offers simple yet timeless health advice: live longer through lifestyle changes. Known for driving his red Toyota Prius and sharing wisdom on YouTube, Dr. Scharffenberg’s practical guidance is influencing a global audience, including recent lectures in Madagascar and across Europe.

Despite lacking a genetic predisposition for longevity—his mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s in her 60s, and his father died of a heart attack at 76—Dr. Scharffenberg attributes his century-plus life to his active lifestyle and unique dietary choices.

A 101-year-old physician and professor offers practical, timeless guidance for longer, healthier living. Dr. John Scharffenberg, an adjunct professor at a prominent public health school, is known for his active lifestyle, candid tips, and a YouTube presence that reaches millions. His recent talks in Madagascar and Europe underscore a universal message: longevity can be pursued through everyday choices.

Despite a family history with heartbreaks—his mother developed Alzheimer’s in her 60s and his father died of a heart attack in his 70s—Dr. Scharffenberg credits his century-spanning vitality to constant movement and mindful living. He often shares stories about hard work on a rugged property, tending thousands of plants, which kept him physically engaged well into later life.

With its signature refreshing aroma and a presence in Thai cuisine, teas, and traditional healing, saranae (สะระแหน่, Mentha × cordifolia) is more than a culinary flourish—it’s a living link between ancient wisdom and modern herbal science. The story of saranae weaves through Thai kitchens, bustling markets, and the annals of both folk medicine and laboratories worldwide, showing how a humble herb continues to captivate health-conscious Thais with its potent, versatile properties.

Saranae, known in Thai as สะระแหน่ (Mentha × cordifolia), is more than a garnish. It is a living link between ancestral wisdom and modern herbal science. In Thai kitchens, markets, and clinics, this humble mint continues to captivate health-conscious readers with its versatility and aroma.

A familiar sight in Thailand, saranae is valued both as a flavor enhancer and a traditional remedy. Its bright leaves brighten laab, desserts, and beverages, while also cooling the body and soothing the mind. During Thailand’s hot season, mint water and mint tea are common home remedies for stomach discomfort, headaches, and heat-related fatigue. Folk healers long attributed digestive relief, reduced bloating, and refreshed senses to saranae, mirroring its broader Southeast Asian appreciation for mint in food and healing.

In an age where the pursuit of longevity is often weighed down by the complexities of modern life, a centenarian nutrition professor offers a refreshingly straightforward formula: simplicity. Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, champions a lifestyle rooted in basic yet profound principles of health. Despite a family history devoid of remarkable longevity—his parents succumbed to cardiovascular and neurological diseases in their later years—Scharffenberg attributes his extended life to actionable lifestyle choices rather than genetics.

A century of life can hinge on straightforward choices. Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, champions a simple, actionable approach to health. He credits longevity to daily habits rather than genetics, noting that his parents died from cardiovascular and neurological conditions in later years.

Thailand and much of Southeast Asia are witnessing rising life expectancy, alongside growing challenges from non-communicable diseases. Scharffenberg’s guidance arrives at a crucial moment. He argues that preventing cardiovascular disease is achievable through lifestyle changes, a view supported by health authorities worldwide. His seven lifestyle tenets are shared through lectures and digital platforms focused on longevity.

In Thailand’s coastal kitchens and busy markets, the blood cockle—called หอยแครง (hoi kraeng) locally—is more than a tasty seafood. It carries a centuries-old place in Thai traditional medicine. As researchers explore natural remedies, Anadara granosa shells have become a focal point for discussions about how ancestral knowledge meets contemporary health science.

From tidal flats to traditional apothecaries, blood cockle shells have traveled beyond the dinner plate. The shells’ enduring appeal comes from their dual role: a nutritious, affordable food for coastal communities and a mineral-rich material with potential healing properties. Studying this journey highlights how Thai wisdom continues to inform and inspire scientific inquiry around the world.

Within the vibrant kitchens and bustling markets of Thailand, the humble blood cockle—known locally as หอยแครง (hoi kraeng)—holds not only a cherished place at the dining table but also a deeper, centuries-old role in the realm of healing. While many Thais relish this mollusk in spicy salads and street food delicacies, few realize that the shell of Anadara granosa, the scientific name for this ark clam, also occupies a storied position in Thai traditional medicine. As scientific curiosity grows about natural remedies, Anadara granosa has become the subject of intense investigation, raising compelling questions about the intersection between ancestral knowledge and contemporary health research.

A rising global issue is not just about the United States—it touches households everywhere, including Thailand. Many people consume far less omega-3 fatty acids than recommended, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and inflammation control. Data from international health research shows that a large portion of children and adults do not meet advised intake levels, signaling a need for dietary awareness across cultures.

For Thai readers, omega-3s matter because they support cellular function and overall well-being. The three main types—alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—each contribute to skin health, heart health, and brain performance. Nutrition experts emphasize their anti-inflammatory properties and potential protective effects against several conditions. In short, these fats are building blocks for a healthy body.

A recent article from USA Today highlights a nutritional issue that is not just limited to the United States: the insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are crucial for maintaining various aspects of health, including heart function, cognitive health, and reducing inflammation. However, research indicates that more than 95% of American children and roughly two-thirds of adults are consuming less than the recommended amounts. This dietary gap is not unique to the U.S., and it could have significant implications for Thailand as well.

In the quest for adequate daily vitamin intake, consumers increasingly turn to gummy vitamins, touted as a convenient and palatable alternative to traditional vitamin pills. This trend highlights a multibillion-dollar industry eager to make vitamin consumption easier for adults and children alike. Recently, Shyla Davis-Cadogan, a registered dietitian at the Virtual Nutrition Service Culina Health, discussed this topic in detail, shedding light on the comparative efficacy of gummy vitamins versus traditional tablets.

In Thai kitchens, black pepper is a common companion that adds warmth to many dishes. New research now suggests its benefits go beyond flavor, with regular, moderate use linked to several health advantages.

Black pepper shines not with calories but with antioxidants and piperine, a potent plant compound. Studies associate piperine with improved cholesterol balance, reduced inflammation, steadier blood sugar, and better digestion. For Thailand’s health landscape, these effects could support heart health and metabolic well-being.

Gummy vitamins are growing in popularity as an easy, kid-friendly way to meet daily nutrient needs. The health supplements industry emphasizes convenience and taste, appealing to both adults and children. Dietitian Shyla Davis-Cadogan of Culina Health recently highlighted how gummies compare to traditional tablets in terms of effectiveness and practicality.

Gummies attract because they feel like treats, making it easier for children to take vitamins. Yet taste and texture are not the only considerations. Davis-Cadogan notes that, in general, both forms deliver similar benefits, but gummies can lag in nutrient density and shelf stability. This means they may not always offer the same concentration of vitamins per dose as pills.

Recent insights highlight a range of protein-rich foods that can boost satiety, support blood sugar control, mood, and muscle maintenance. Health experts emphasize that adequate protein is essential at every age, making mindful choices important for long-term wellness.

Nutrition guidance suggests aiming for about 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to prevent deficiency. Starting with a moderate intake and gradually increasing helps people reach this target in a sustainable way.

In kitchens across Thailand, black pepper is a ubiquitous spice that adds warmth and depth to a multitude of dishes. However, recent research highlights that its benefits extend beyond its culinary appeal. Regular consumption of black pepper, often overlooked, is linked to a host of health benefits, a revelation that’s gradually garnering attention in the scientific and health communities.

Black pepper’s allure lies not in its energy or macronutrient content—there’s little to show there—but rather in its richness in antioxidants and piperine, a powerful plant compound. The compound has been associated with significant health improvements, including better cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, blood sugar regulation, and improved digestion.

Recent insights from Vogue highlight key protein-rich foods that should be on everyone’s radar, especially for those looking to enhance their dietary intake and overall health. The article underscores the myriad benefits of consuming an ample amount of protein, which aids in satiety, blood sugar management, mood regulation, and muscle growth. As explained by Dr. David Luu, a renowned surgeon, proteins are fundamental to our body’s make-up, making their consumption crucial, particularly as we age Vogue.

Garden cress, known locally as เทียนแดง, has long occupied a place in Thai kitchens and traditional medicine. These tiny seeds, with a fiery bite and strong aroma, are believed to support digestion, respiratory health, and general vitality. Today, modern research is exploring how this ancient remedy fits into contemporary wellness, while underscoring the need for safe, informed use.

Thai herbal practitioners have long praised เทียนแดง as a multipurpose remedy. Seeds are viewed as digestive stimulants, mild laxatives, and supporters of respiratory function—especially for coughs and asthma. In traditional practice, garden cress often appears in multi-herbal formulas to evoke warmth, clarity, and vitality. Healers also mentioned benefits for appetite and postnatal recovery, paralleling similar Ayurvedic concepts from nearby regions.

For centuries, the spicy, peppery seeds known as เทียนแดง—identified botanically as Lepidium sativum L. or garden cress—have quietly held a place in apothecaries and family kitchens alike. Revered in Thai traditional medicine and culinary practice, these tiny seeds have been championed as both a healing tonic and a nutritious food source. Today, the legacy of เทียนแดง is being newly explored through the lens of modern pharmacological research, uncovering scientific clues that illuminate ancient wisdom while also highlighting the importance of safe, informed usage in our wellness routines.

Chùm hèt thét, scientifically Cassia alata L., is a familiar sight in Thai villages and along rural roads. Its bright yellow, candle-like flowers accompany a long-standing home remedy for skin conditions and constipation. Today, it sits at the intersection of traditional wisdom and evidence-based medicine, offering Thai readers a clear example of how culture and science can guide health decisions.

In Thailand, Cassia alata is part of everyday healing. It appears on the Thai Household Herbal Drug List and the List of National Herbal Drugs for its laxative and antifungal properties. Beyond Thailand, communities have long used the plant for generations. The Tikuna people of the Amazon rely on it for digestive health, while communities in Africa apply its leaves topically for fungal infections. Traditional methods include chewing, boiling, or pounding leaves into a paste for topical use, explaining why the plant is widely cited in folk medicine.

Few herbal medicines echo across as many generations and regions as chùm hèt thét (ชุมเห็ดเทศ), known to scientists as Cassia alata L. or Senna alata. Recognized in Thai as ขุมเห็ดเทศ, and by names such as chùm hèt yài, lúp mạn lûang, chî khàak, màak kà-líng thét, and sôm hèt, this striking “candle bush” is both common roadside greenery and a staple of traditional household pharmacies. Its yellow, candle-like flowers catch the eye, but it is the fresh and dried leaves—harvested in villages throughout the Kingdom—that have solidified its central role in herbal practice. Today, chùm hèt thét’s journey from ancient remedy for skin diseases and constipation to evidence-based pharmaceutical candidate reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, folk wisdom, and modern science—one vital to Thai readers seeking a bridge between old and new approaches to health.

A health feature showcases delicious, easy-to-make dishes designed to help reduce inflammation, a factor linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Anti-inflammatory foods emphasize fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats—nutrients that support wellness and may ease long-term health risks.

The collection blends flavorful ingredients with inflammation-fighting power. One standout is the Green Goddess Smoothie, inspired by a renowned chef. The blend of yogurt, avocado, strawberries, oranges, and spinach creates a creamy, antioxidant-rich drink that fits neatly into a busy Thai lifestyle.