#Nutrition

A new wave of scientific investigations suggests that routinely taking daily vitamin supplements may not be as essential as once believed, challenging the long-standing perception that multivitamins are crucial for maintaining overall health. The discussion gained renewed attention following a recent episode of CNN’s ‘Chasing Life’ podcast, which explored the mounting evidence around vitamin supplementation and its actual impact on health outcomes for most people (cnn.com).

Thais, like people everywhere, have been long encouraged to take daily vitamins as part of a “preventive” wellness routine. In Bangkok, pharmacies and convenience stores prominently display multivitamin products, reflecting widespread cultural trust in supplements. Many parents give their children chewable vitamins, while health-conscious office workers add “multi-vits” to their daily routines, especially during the rainy season or pandemic scares. But the latest research is questioning whether this global — and intensely local — supplement habit is either necessary or effective.

A wave of recent research suggests daily vitamin supplements may not be essential for most people, challenging the idea that multivitamins are a universal health safeguard. The conversation has gained global attention, including coverage of studies on vitamin supplementation and its real impact on health outcomes, as discussed in a popular health podcast.

In Thailand, the habit of taking daily vitamins is widespread. Bangkok pharmacies and convenience stores stock multivitamins prominently, reflecting broad trust in supplements. Many parents give children chewables, while office workers add “multi-vits” during the rainy season or health scares. New studies are prompting a closer look at whether this global practice delivers meaningful benefits.

Watermelon is more than a refreshing summer treat. New findings in Nutrients suggest it can support heart health and improve overall dietary quality due to its blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. For Thai readers, this points to a practical, tasty way to align daily eating with national health goals.

In Thailand, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are rising, making smart dietary choices essential. Watermelon’s hydration, affordability, and year-round availability position it well to support healthier eating patterns from street stalls to school canteens.

New research has shed fresh light on the health benefits of watermelon, moving the fruit far beyond its status as a refreshing summer snack. According to recent findings reported in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, watermelon consumption is associated with improved heart health and significantly better overall dietary quality, thanks to a unique combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids present in the fruit (SciTechDaily).

For Thai readers who cherish watermelon as a popular street-side treat, the significance of this research goes far beyond taste. As non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes continue to rise in Thailand, dietary strategies for prevention are critical. Watermelon, already beloved for its hydrating properties and affordability, could play a more prominent role in national health goals.

Should Thai health enthusiasts reconsider their daily fish oil supplements in favour of krill oil? The question has sparked debate as both products compete for attention in the growing wellness market. Recent research and expert opinion highlight significant similarities and key differences between these two omega-3 powerhouses, leaving many to ponder their best choice for heart, brain, and overall health Verywell Health.

For years, fish oil has been the most popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, hailed for helping to prevent and manage heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation. Now, krill oil—derived from tiny crustaceans found in Antarctic waters—is being marketed as a more bioavailable and antioxidant-rich alternative. With Thais increasingly concerned about diet-related illnesses and eager to adopt science-backed preventive health trends, these claims matter deeply. But does the science support making the switch?

A growing wellness conversation in Thailand asks whether daily fish oil supplements should be swapped for krill oil. Health experts note that both products deliver omega-3s, but differences in absorption, cost, and contamination risk matter for Thai consumers focused on heart and brain health.

Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential for cardiovascular function and reducing inflammation. Both fish oil and krill oil provide these nutrients, but krill oil is marketed as potentially more bioavailable and enriched with the antioxidant astaxanthin. In practice, when dosages of EPA and DHA are matched, absorption and cardiovascular benefits appear similar. A pharmacist from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health stresses the importance of choosing high-quality, pure supplements.

A growing body of new research is shedding light on a potential link between vitamin D supplementation and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes among individuals with high-risk prediabetes. Recent studies suggest that boosting vitamin D levels in those who are already at risk could slow or even prevent the onset of overt diabetes—a finding that may have significant implications for the millions of people in Thailand and worldwide who are living with prediabetes.

A new study suggests that boosting vitamin D levels in people with prediabetes may slow or prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. This could offer a low-cost, accessible option for millions in Thailand and around the world who are at high risk.

Data from the International Diabetes Federation highlight Thailand as a hot spot for diabetes in Southeast Asia, with millions living with the disease. Prediabetes, often undetected, affects an even larger portion of the population and represents a critical opportunity for prevention.

Cashews have long been beloved by snackers and chefs in Thailand alike, and recent research continues to highlight their status as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and essential minerals. However, health experts are sounding a note of caution: while cashews are healthy in many ways, overindulging could come with unexpected risks, particularly due to their high calorie and oxalate content.

Cashews are a staple in many Thai households – appearing not only in popular dishes like stir-fries and salads, but also as a creamy base for dairy alternatives in the growing vegan community. With global demand for cashews soaring (the market topped $8 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed $11 billion by 2030), understanding their nutritional profile and risks is increasingly important for Thai consumers and policymakers alike (geneseorepublic.com).

A new wave of scientific research warns that the nutrition in vegetables—especially leafy greens like kale, spinach, and asparagus—is in jeopardy due to climate change, with our continued appetite for meat playing a noteworthy role in the process, according to recent findings presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference and reported by VegNews (vegnews.com). As the global climate crisis intensifies, researchers have found that the combination of rising temperatures and increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide is compromising the quality of vegetable crops, raising urgent concerns for global and Thai public health.

A growing body of research shows that climate change and rising meat consumption are diluting the nutrients in vegetables, especially leafy greens like kale, spinach, and asparagus. Findings presented at an international plant science conference indicate that higher temperatures and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels reduce the mineral and micronutrient content of crops, posing a risk to public health in Thailand and beyond.

Thailand’s rich agricultural heritage makes these findings highly relevant. While Thai diets still feature abundant vegetables compared with some Western diets, climate stress, shifts toward processed foods, and increased animal product intake threaten nutrient intake. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the FAO highlight that vegetable consumption remains robust, but soil degradation, erratic weather, and a warming climate add new challenges.

As social media influencers continue to spark viral nutrition fads under the banner of “glow-up” – a term capturing the idea of rapid self-improvement – leading dietitians are sounding alarms about potentially harmful dietary trends gaining traction both globally and in Thailand. Based on the latest analysis by Western and Thai-registered dietitians, several popular habits promoted online, from extreme fasting to restrictive eating, are not only unsupported by scientific evidence but could also undermine physical and mental health, especially among young people. Understanding which “glow-up” trends to avoid is now a matter of public awareness as Thailand faces rising rates of diet-related illnesses and mental health challenges.

A new study suggests that a ketogenic diet—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating pattern—may improve brain health. The research reports a 22% increase in cerebral blood flow and a 47% rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These findings come as Thailand faces rising concerns about dementia and stroke amid an aging population.

For many Thai families, cognitive decline is a pressing worry. While the study details are still being shared, experts highlight a key takeaway: diet can influence neurological health in adults. A senior neurologist at a major regional hospital in Thailand notes that higher BDNF levels are encouraging because they’re linked to greater neural resilience, which could delay neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Cashews have gained popularity in Thailand as a versatile snack and key ingredient in both traditional and contemporary dishes. New nutrition insights highlight their high protein and mineral content, but health experts urge moderation due to their calorie density and oxalate content.

From street-side bites to plant-based cream bases popular in Bangkok’s vegan scene, cashews are a staple in many Thai kitchens. Global demand remains strong, with market projections suggesting growth beyond eight billion dollars in 2022 to over eleven billion by 2030. Thai consumers and policymakers can benefit from understanding both their benefits and risks.

A groundbreaking new study has found that following a ketogenic diet can dramatically enhance brain health, increasing cerebral blood flow by 22% and boosting levels of a key brain growth factor, BDNF, by 47%. These impressive findings, originally reported by PsyPost, are sparking renewed interest in the potential of diet-based interventions to support cognitive function and prevent neurological disorders—a topic of immense interest to Thai readers, where concerns over dementia and stroke continue to rise.

A new study has revealed that your regular bathroom habits might offer important clues to your overall health, demonstrating a surprising link between how often you have a bowel movement and risk factors for chronic diseases. The research, published in July 2024 and led by a team at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), investigated stool frequency among over 1,400 generally healthy individuals, drawing connections between these routines and various biological markers including gut microbiome composition, metabolic signatures, and even genetics (ScienceAlert).

As more Thais grapple with the impact of chronic stress—from sleepless nights to lingering anxiety—scientific evidence is growing that certain foods can play a role in calming the body’s stress signals. Newly highlighted by researchers and nutritionists, a list of nine easily accessible foods offers a natural and nutritious way to help reduce the body’s production of cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” and support mental and physical wellbeing. This insight comes as part of a wider global push toward holistic health, with food and lifestyle choices taking centre stage in stress management strategies.

A new study links regular bathroom habits with broader health, suggesting that consistent bowel movements reflect a healthier body. Researchers from the Institute for Systems Biology analyzed stool frequency in 1,425 generally healthy adults, finding associations with gut microbiome composition, metabolic markers, and genetics. The findings highlight how daily routines can mirror long-term health risks and opportunities.

For many Thais, discussions about digestion can be delicate, yet the study emphasizes its practical impact on daily life. Thailand faces rising rates of diabetes, kidney disease, and liver problems, all influenced by lifestyle and gut health. Understanding defecation patterns could help individuals and clinicians detect subtle changes before more obvious symptoms appear.

A growing body of science suggests that small dietary adjustments can ease the body’s stress signals, a finding that resonates with many Thais juggling work, traffic, and city life. Nutritionists point to accessible foods that may help lower cortisol—the hormone linked to stress—and support overall wellbeing. This aligns with a broader movement recognizing food choices as a key element in managing stress.

Cortisol plays a central role in the body’s stress response. It supports memory, metabolism, and the fight-or-flight reaction, produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the body’s complex systems. But chronic stress—from long work hours to financial pressures and urban pollution—can keep cortisol high. Continuous elevation has been linked to headaches, digestive disturbances, sleep issues, and weakened immunity, according to medical authorities.

A growing wave of “glow-up” dieting on social media is prompting urgent caution from Thai nutrition professionals. Influencers promote rapid self-improvement through extreme eating patterns, but local and international dietitians warn these trends lack solid science and could harm physical and mental health, especially among youths. Experts urge Thai readers to differentiate helpful tips from risky fads as diet-related illnesses and mental health concerns rise in the country.

Thai audiences increasingly encounter global nutrition trends on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While some messages—like eating more fruits and vegetables or reducing added sugar—align with good habits, others promote shortcuts for beauty, weight loss, or detoxification that can be dangerous. The idea of a “glow-up” has become common among urban youth in Thailand, where quick fixes often clash with the country’s tradition of balanced meals and may undermine long-term health and happiness.

A recent study in Physiology & Behavior found that a 30-minute session of chest-deep cold-water immersion at 16°C can lead to larger meals in the hours after. The result matters for fitness enthusiasts and anyone using cold-water therapy as part of wellness routines, a practice rising in popularity in Thailand.

In a small, controlled UK trial, 15 healthy, active adults aged 20–59 experienced three conditions in random order: cold water at 16°C, warm water at 35°C, and a thermoneutral air environment at 26°C. Sessions were conducted at the same time of day with identical pre-trial routines, including a standard breakfast.

A new study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior has revealed that spending just half an hour submerged in cold water can cause people to eat significantly more in the hours that follow—a finding with important implications for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and those pursuing wellness routines involving cold-water therapy. As cold-water immersion grows increasingly popular in Thailand and worldwide, especially for its touted benefits in muscle recovery and mood enhancement, this latest discovery raises new questions about its impact on eating behavior and weight management (PsyPost).

A wave of fresh scientific research is highlighting how simple dietary shifts can transform gut health, with nine powerhouse foods earning attention for their profound impact on the digestive system. These findings, echoed in international health news and supported by emerging clinical studies, offer practical insights for Thais interested in holistic wellness and the rising global trend of gut-friendly eating (Times of India, Everyday Health, Verywell Health). These foods—ranging from raspberries to kefir—are already present in many Thai households or are easily adapted to local cuisine, supporting the national move toward preventive health.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that has long baffled mental health experts, may have roots that extend far beyond the brain—down into the gut. Researchers in China have discovered compelling evidence that the bacteria living in our digestive systems, collectively known as the gut microbiota, could play a direct causal role in the development of OCD. This insight has the potential to reshape our understanding of a disorder that affects up to 3 percent of people worldwide and has proven notoriously difficult to treat effectively (ScienceAlert).