#Nutrition

A new health-focused article shines a light on nine fruits that offer unexpected protein, challenging the notion that only meat, dairy, and legumes meet daily needs. While fruits are celebrated for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this Spotlight demonstrates their subtle role in contributing to protein intake. Nutrition experts emphasize that fruits are not primary protein sources, but they can support overall protein targets as part of a balanced Thai diet.

A growing wave of nutrition research highlights protein as a key driver of muscle recovery, metabolism, and weight management. For Thai readers, aiming for around 100 grams of protein daily can offer noticeable benefits, especially for athletes and active individuals who train in Muay Thai, sepak takraw, or gym routines.

Protein fuels muscle protein synthesis, the process that repairs and builds muscle after exercise. Daily intake of 100 grams helps ensure essential amino acids are available for muscle growth and recovery. As a health expert notes, protein supports muscle growth, metabolism, and fat loss by supplying the amino acids necessary for tissue repair after activity. This approach can be particularly relevant for Thai athletes seeking optimal performance.

In an article by The Times of India, it has been highlighted that certain fruits pack a considerable punch in their skins, dense with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Incorporating these edible peels into your diet could mean the difference between missing out on substantial health benefits and maximizing your nutritional intake. Here’s a look at six fruits that are best enjoyed whole, skin and all, for their potential health advantages.

A growing global conversation on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could reshape what we eat for longer, healthier lives and a healthier planet. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, the PHD emphasizes more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant-based proteins while reducing meat and dairy. Originating from the 2019 report Food in the Anthropocene, the plan resonates with Thailand’s rising interest in sustainable, health-focused living.

Historically, the Mediterranean diet has stood as a benchmark for well-being. Now, the PHD is gaining momentum for its potential to cut dietary-related emissions and prevent millions of deaths. Research from Harvard Chan School indicates the diet is linked to about a 30% lower risk of premature death among those who follow it, based on a long-term study of more than 200,000 participants who began without chronic disease and were followed for 34 years. The findings show lower mortality from major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, underscoring both health and environmental benefits.

New insights highlight how what we eat can influence anxiety, a mental health issue affecting about 20% of adults worldwide and noticed in Thailand as well. Dietitians say food choices can complement mental health strategies, even though they aren’t a sole treatment. Among snack ideas, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls stand out for late-night cravings and potential calming effects.

Experts emphasize that nutrient selection matters for anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics, along with higher fruit and vegetable intake, are linked with lower anxiety levels. In contrast, high added sugar can raise risk. The energy balls thus offer more than a tasty bite; they align with evidence suggesting dietary choices can support mood and stress management.

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.

Recent findings underscore the significant role snacks might play in managing anxiety, a mental health condition impacting nearly one in five adults globally, with implications similarly seen in Thailand. This connection between food and mood, highlighted by dietitians, suggests that diet, although not the primary treatment for anxiety, can serve as a supportive tool in mental health strategies. Among various options, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls have emerged as the late-night snack praised for their calming effects.

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.

Recent research has uncovered a significant connection between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This landmark study, drawing on data from a 2023 meta-analysis published in a reputable scientific journal, has highlighted that individuals with vitamin D serum levels below 25 ng/mL have a 59% increased risk of Alzheimer’s than those with higher levels. This finding brings new insight into preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects millions worldwide and poses an increasing concern across Thailand.

A recent health feature highlights eight everyday foods rich in creatine, an energy-building compound important for muscle health. For Thai athletes and fitness enthusiasts, these natural options offer a tasty, whole-food approach to supporting performance alongside training.

Creatine helps with high-intensity performance, faster recovery, and greater muscle gains. While many people reach for supplements, research shows creatine also occurs naturally in common foods—especially certain seafood and meats. Beyond muscle benefits, creatine may support brain function and metabolic health, making these foods a practical addition to balanced diets.

The recent focus on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could redefine dietary habits around the globe, promising not just longevity but also ecological well-being. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, this diet highlights the need for a shift towards plant-based foods, simultaneously promoting human health and environmental sustainability. With its roots in the 2019 report “Food in the Anthropocene,” the PHD encourages a diet abundant in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant proteins, while advising reduced consumption of meat and dairy. This development is especially pertinent for Thailand as it aligns with the nation’s increasing interest in sustainable and healthy living.

Pomegranate leaf, or Punica granatum L., travels from village remedies to modern laboratories, revealing a story of healing that resonates worldwide. In Thai traditional healing, the leaves are valued under names such as มะเก๊า, มะก่องแก้ว, and พิลา, where they are used in remedies passed down through generations. Today, researchers are re-examining these uses with rigorous science, highlighting pomegranate leaf as a bridge between heritage and evidence-based medicine. As antibiotic resistance and chronic disease rise globally, integrating traditional knowledge with modern validation is especially timely for Thailand’s health-conscious readers.

In recent developments, a valuable resource has come to light for those seeking to enhance muscle growth without relying solely on supplements. A recent article highlights the eight foods that naturally contain high levels of creatine, an organic compound instrumental in energy production and muscle health. This discovery may be particularly appealing to Thai athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to augment their diets with nutrient-dense options.

The significance of creatine cannot be overstated as it is a cornerstone in the fitness community, known for its ability to boost muscle gains, enhance exercise performance, and facilitate recovery. While creatine is often consumed in supplement form, this article illustrates that it can also be sourced from everyday foods—especially certain types of seafood and meats—offering a tasty alternative that may benefit brain function, improve glucose control, and slow age-related muscle loss.

A new analysis highlights a link between low vitamin D levels and higher Alzheimer’s risk. The study draws on a 2023 meta-analysis and shows that individuals with vitamin D serum levels below 25 ng/mL have a markedly greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those with higher levels. The findings offer promising directions for prevention in Thailand, where dementia is an increasing public health concern amid aging populations.

Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for a substantial share of cases. As populations age, identifying modifiable risk factors becomes even more critical. Vitamin D is gaining attention for brain health due to its receptors throughout the brain and its role in cognitive function. Ensuring adequate levels may support long-term brain health and could complement other preventive measures.

Almonds are gaining attention as a potent protein source, offering benefits for muscle growth and appetite control that go beyond popular eggs-as-protein norms. For Thai readers, this means a practical, accessible option to support fitness and health goals.

A 30-gram handful of almonds provides about 7 grams of protein, slightly more than a medium egg. Beyond protein, almonds deliver vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats. These nutrients support recovery after exercise and help sustain energy throughout the day. Researchers emphasize that their unique structure may influence how much energy the body absorbs, potentially contributing to a satisfying snack without excessive calories.

Recent research has revealed that almonds, a nut commonly enjoyed for its taste and health benefits, are emerging as a superior source of protein compared to eggs. Many fitness enthusiasts and those interested in weight management may find this discovery quite significant, as protein plays a pivotal role in muscle growth and satiety.

Historically, eggs have been a popular choice for protein intake, often immortalized in pop culture, like Sylvester Stallone’s famous raw egg consumption in Rocky. However, a 30-gram serving of almonds offers approximately 7 grams of protein, surpassing the 6 grams found in a medium-sized egg. Aside from protein, almonds provide essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a comprehensive dietary addition for those focused on enhancing physical performance and recovery post-exercise.

In a world increasingly obsessed with healthful eating, snacks often come under scrutiny. Recent insights from a gut-health expert reveal that our perceptions of what constitutes a “healthier” snack may not always align with nutritional reality. Dr. Megan Rossi, a renowned dietitian, highlights that baked potato chips, traditionally deemed the healthier option compared to regular potato chips, may not be as beneficial as previously thought.

While the allure of lower calories and reduced fat content makes baked chips an attractive choice for the health-conscious, Rossi explains that they may come up short in other nutritional aspects. Unlike regular chips made from whole potatoes, baked versions often use potato flakes—a form of ultra-processed potato that can strip away vital nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.

New research suggests that the types of fats we eat could influence how we age, not just how much we eat. The message is shifting from fat quantity to fat quality. Specific fatty acids may affect aging processes at the cellular level, offering potential benefits beyond heart and metabolic health. This evolving evidence is particularly relevant to Thai diets, which feature rich culinary traditions.

Essential fats are gaining attention for their possible anti-aging properties. While they are known for supporting cardiovascular health, scientists are now exploring how certain fats could modulate aging itself. This has important implications for populations like Thailand, where dietary patterns blend traditional foods with modern nutritional insights.

A recent surge in research suggests that certain essential fats might be pivotal in delaying biological aging, a topic garnering attention from both scientists and the general public. Reports indicate that the types of fats consumed, rather than merely the quantity, could influence how gracefully we age. While the discourse has predominantly focused on the impacts of saturated and unsaturated fats, emerging evidence points towards more nuanced roles played by specific fatty acids in modulating age-related processes.

New insights from a gut-health expert challenge the idea that baked potato chips are a healthier choice. Research from a leading dietitian suggests that baked versions may not deliver the nutritional benefits many assume. The takeaway for Thai readers is simple: look beyond calories and fat when judging a snack’s healthiness.

The appeal of baked chips lies in their lower fat and fewer calories. Yet, processing can offset these advantages. Many baked chips are made from potato flakes rather than whole potatoes, which can reduce minerals such as potassium and vitamin C. In addition, processing may introduce extra flavors and sometimes sugar, blurring the line between healthful snacking and indulgence. For better choices, seek snacks with a short, recognizable ingredient list.

Rock salt, or เกลือสินเธาว์, sits quietly at the intersection of tradition and science in Isan and across Thailand. For generations, it has shaped daily cooking, healing rituals, and cultural identity. As modern research weighs in, what should Thai readers know about its benefits, risks, and enduring significance?

Tradition holds that rock salt is more than a seasoning. In many Thai communities, it has been used to ease digestive woes, cleanse wounds, support oral health, and purify spaces during rituals. Passed down through families, these practices connect people to the land and to centuries of local knowledge.

In the world of traditional Thai medicine, few remedies have endured as universally and unassumingly as “เกลือสินเธาว์”—also known as rock salt, เกลือหิน, or เกลือเทศ. This simple crystalline mineral, gleaned from underground salt beds in Thailand’s northeast, has quietly shaped rituals of healing, daily cuisine, and even cultural identity. But as modern science investigates the claims of ancient tradition, what does evidence reveal about the true health benefits—and potential risks—of this everyday ingredient?

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.

Hoi khom, the humble freshwater snail with a spiral shell, thrives in the nutrient-rich waters of Thai rice paddies and wetlands. In Thailand and Southeast Asia, this small creature is more than food; it sits at the intersection of culinary tradition, folklore, and folk medicine. Today’s examination asks: what does science say about hoi khom’s healing claims, and how can this rural lifeline connect to contemporary research and Thai realities?